February 2016 - West Genesee School District
Transcription
February 2016 - West Genesee School District
It’s Academic February 2016 West Genesee High School Presents … The classic fairy tale “The Princess and the Pea” is told with a humorous twist in the Broadway classic Once Upon a Mattress. Once Upon a Mattress tells the story of Queen Aggravain, whose kingdom has a law which states that no one is allowed to marry until Prince Dauntless marries a princess that the Queen finds suitable. Seats for all three shows are reserved and are $12 each. You can purchase presale tickets online by going to our ticketing site at www.etix.com. Just search "west genesee" in the search bar. You can also call the Ticket Call Center at 1-800-514-3849, extension 4. Tickets can be purchased at the door. All seats are reserved. See even more information in the Fine Arts Section of It’s Academic! Principal’s message … Performances will be held: Thursday & Friday February 4 & 5 at 7:00 p.m. And Saturday, February 6 at 2:00 p.m. in the High School Auditorium By Geoffrey Morton As the second half of the school year begins, we would like to recognize our students, faculty, and staff in making this a wonderful first half of the year and to extend a special thank you for your collective efforts. Now that January testing is completed, we are looking forward to and excited about, the many more winter clubs, athletics, and fine arts activities coming up in the months ahead. Some of our recent or upcoming activities and events at the high school include; our school musical scheduled for February 4, 5, and 6; our Mr. West Genesee contest on February 26; our Talent Show on April 7; and our Art Exhibition from March 1 - 11. Scheduling courses with our students for the 2016-17 school year is now underway, coordinated by our school counselors. Students and parents should continue to discuss respective academic progress and course selections for next year and communicate directly with your respective school counselor. We look forward to seeing you soon at one of our upcoming school events. Many thanks to our parents and extended family members for your support of our many curricular and co-curricular activities throughout the entire school year. Our mission at West Genesee High School is to create, support, and maintain a progressive learning environment where all members of the high school community can reach their potential. Page 2 It’s Academic The Academic Decathlon was held at Westhill High School on January 23 with competitors from Cazenovia, Liverpool, Tully, Westhill, and West Genesee high schools. Inside this Issue: The team from West Genesee High School came in first overall. They brought home a total of 24 medals from the whole competition (12 Gold, 6 Silver and 6 Bronze). The top three teams will advance to the state competition at SUNY Brockport to be held on February 26-27. Counselors’ Corner 3 Fine Arts News 4 Student Accolades 5 A school's team is composed of three "A" students (honor level), three "B" students (scholastic level), and three "C" students (varsity level). All take the same academic tests, but trophies are given for the top three individual scores in each level. The Decathlon is an academic competition among high schools in Section III. It began as a local academic competition in California in 1968, and now has grown to become an international event. Around the HS 6 Career Center 8 PTSO News 10 Interaction Guidelines 11 Their coach, Scott Duda, is a WGHS Living Environment teacher, who has been meeting with the team since the fall to prepare for the Decathlon. Individual medals were awarded for the highest scores on six objective written tests in music, art, language and literature, science, mathematics, and economics. Jenna Hickey (3) Elizabeth Zoanetti (3) Timothy Gardner II (3) Hannah Humphrey (3) Parker Ventura (2) 2 Gold - Science and Music; 2 Silver - Math and Economics; and 2 Bronze Social Science and Art. He also earned a trophy as the highest score in his division. 1 Gold - Science; 1 Silver - Art; 1 Bronze - Music 1 Silver - Music; 2 Bronze - Art and Economics 2 Gold - Science and Economics; 1 Bronze - Music 3 Gold (beat all alternates - Literature, Art and Social Science) 2 Gold (beat all alternates - Science and Economics) Jordan Koster (1) Jasmine Hamilton (1) Mahima Patel (1) Dylan Casolare (1) 1 Silver - Science 1 Silver - Social Science 1 Gold - Music 1 Gold - Math (beat all alternates) James Sandefur (6) The rest of the team was Tyler Troch-Stirpe, Madyson Kelly, Julianna Lisi, Carolina Creighton, Cameron Mitchell, and Marisa Hurst. Most were alternates and only 1 medal was given per alternates and the West Genesee team won 6 of the 7 medals for alternates. We Celebrate Learning! Calendar of Events February 4, 5, 6 – The High School musical - “Once Upon a Mattress” February 10 – Board of Education Meeting, 7:00 p.m. February 15 thru 19 – No school, Winter Recess February 26 – Mr. West Genesee, 6:00 p.m. March 1 HS Art Exhibit begins, Maxwell Library Page 3 Counselors’ Corner … It’s Academic By Paula Brillo Director of Counseling Services Scheduling for the 2016-2017 school year is well underway. Juniors have selected courses for next year, and have reviewed important information regarding the college planning process with their School Counselor. Freshman scheduling meetings begin on Monday, February 8 and will be scheduled throughout the month of February. Sophomores will choose their course selections March 10 – 15 in their Science study halls. Students and families may review the 2016 – 2017 Course Catalog on the West Genesee website which contains more information about student course selections. On March 18, families and students may view student’s requested course selections using the Parent Portal on SchoolTool. Family discussions are always encouraged as course selections are reviewed. If there are questions, at any time, regarding student course requests for next year, please contact the School Counselor via their email or at 487-4672. School Counselors encourage college bound students to experience a college level course(s) sometime during their high school years. Please refer to page nine of the Course Catalog for information about college level courses. Further descriptions of college level courses can be found on the West Genesee website in High School Counseling and Student Services - then College Courses under Quick links. Please contact your school counselor if you have questions. “SUNY’s Statewide Student Financial Aid Day” - As a public service, SUNY is offering a Statewide Student Financial Aid Day, when prospective students and families can receive SPECIAL NOTE assistance from SUNY financial aid professionals in completing the Free for Seniors – Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Many host campuses will Financial Aid Date provide access to the online FAFSA. These workshops are offered free of is Feb. 20, 2016 charge and are available at many locations throughout the State. Visit www.suny.edu/studentevents to see a list of all participating campuses. Pre-registration is available through the following contacts: • www.suny.edu/studentevents • contacting the SUNY Recruitment Response Center at 800.342.3811 • email at - [email protected]. “Seniors of the Month” for February Luke Manning and Mackenzie Nish “Ask the Expert” is another source for Financial Aid Assistance. Go to http://www.nygearup.org/collegesense/index.htm and then click in the ‘Ask the Expert’ section. School Counselors: Juniors and Sophomores – who will be completing a college level course this spring, it is recommended that you take the SAT subject test in that area in May or June. Please see your school counselor for more information. Ms. Lisa Dwyer Juniors - make plans now to attend the National College Fair on Thursday, March 10, 2016 from 9:00 am -12:00 pm and 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm. The Fair is held at Onondaga Community College in the SRC Arena. This is an exceptional, valuable family event. Go to www.nacacnet.org for more information about the College Fair and the informational workshops being offered. SAT and ACT exams - Remember to sign up for these exams at www.collegeboard.org and www.actstudent.org. You will find more information regarding the New SAT on the Collegeboard website as well. Check the test dates and registration deadlines at the Counseling and Student Services section of www.westgenesee.org. Please remember to use our online SAT/ACT Prep Course: Methods Test Prep in Naviance. Also, consider the three-session SAT Prep Classes beginning on April 2nd. Register for the SAT/ACT Prep Classes by March 24 in the Counseling Office. Classes fill quickly, please register early. Ms. Mary Clancy Mr. Mark Grier Mrs. Beverly Hannah Mrs. Lauren Navarra Mrs. Erin Paris Mrs. Maura Secor Director of Counseling ServicesMrs. Paula Brillo Page 4 It’s Academic Fine Arts Department … By William Davern Director of Fine Arts Don’t miss out on the West Genesee High School musical production of Once Upon a Mattress! The classic fairy tale “The Princess and the Pea” is told with a humorous twist in the Broadway classic Once Upon a Mattress. Students at West Genesee High School will perform the musical on February 4, 5, and 6. Once Upon a Mattress tells the story of Queen Aggravain (Madeline Shuron), whose kingdom has a law which states that no one is allowed to marry until Prince Dauntless (Avery Miller) marries a princess that the Queen finds suitable. Twelve princesses have been put through twelve tests to prove that each is worthy of the Queen’s son… and each suitor has failed. Lady Larken (Sarah Sveen), one of the Queen’s ladies-in-waiting, makes a discovery that compels her to send her true love (Nick Trippany as Sir Harry) on a journey to find a princess who can pass any test she is faced with. When Sir Harry returns with Princess Winnifred (Maura Philippone), the people of the kingdom are shocked to see that she is like no other princess they have ever seen before. But Winnifred immediately wins Dauntless’ heart as well as the hearts of everyone she meets. That is, the heart of everyone except his overbearing mother. With the mute King Sextimus (Ezra McKeon), a traveling Minstrel (Tracy Dowler), and a silly Jester (Sarah Channels) around to help out, it seems as though Winnifred is sure to pass the test. However, the Queen and her assistant (Joe Pelton as The Wizard) have created a test that Winnifred is sure to fail. Matt Aldinger, Caitlin Barry, Grace Craig, Sean Herron, Marisa Hurst, Victoria Lee, Allie Leonard, Micayla MacDougall, Val Mattice, Cameron McCrea, Camryn Mulpagano, and Julia Musengo round out the cast. The musical is directed by Dan Callahan, produced by Andrea Scerbo, and choreographed by Andrea Leigh-Smith. Anthony Alvaro is the music director; William Mercer, Jr. is the lighting director; Matt Makowiec is the technical director; and costumes have been designed by Cindy Kissane and Lisa Mason. The show is on Thursday, February 4 and Friday, February 5 at 7:00 p.m. There will also be a matinee at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 6. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased in advance on etix.com or at the door. Check out our recent Art Show winners on page 7. Page 5 It’s Academic Student Accolades … National Honor Society - The Induction ceremony for the National Honor Society will be held on Monday, March 21 at 7:00 pm. In early March, Junior and Senior students who are academically eligible will be invited to apply for membership in West Genesee’s Scientia Chapter of the National Honor Society. Selection to the organization is based upon the student’s demonstration of academic achievement, good character, leadership, and commitment to community service. The Business Department has selected senior Jack Griffith as the January Business Student of the Month. Jack is a great student who is an excellent role model for his classmates and a pleasure to have in class. He comes to class with a smile every day and works very hard on each and every assignment he is given. He has taken many business classes including Career & Financial Management I & II and OCC Financial Accounting. He is currently taking OCC Contemporary Business and Personal Finance. Jack plays CYO basketball for St. Joseph's Church and works at Cool Waters Pool & Spa. Jack is planning to major in accounting next year. He hasn't made his final decision on the college he will attend this fall, but wherever he decides to go, they will be lucky to have him. The Science Department is pleased to recognize the following individuals for being designated “Science Students of the Month” for January. Haneen Awawda is a 9th grade student enrolled in Mr. Deegan’s Regents Earth Science class. Mr. Deegan says “Haneen comes to class every day determined to do well. She is responsible, very hard-working and a genuinely nice person. Haneen is a pleasure to have in class.” Maggie Guinto an 11th grade Regents Chemistry student in Ms. Spaulding’s class. According to Ms. Spaulding, “Maggie comes to class with a great attitude. She goes above and beyond for every assignment. She requests extra work to make sure she is prepared.” Kara Matus is a 10th grader taking Living Environment with Mr. Haines. “Kara is a hardworking, dependable student who is willing to participate. She is bright and knowledgeable in the subject matter, and is often willing to take risks as she frequently volunteers in class,” states Mr. Haines. Math League - Members of the West Genesee High School Math League recently participated in the January Onondaga County Math League competition. Participants compete against other schools from across the county, on a monthly basis, by completing a series of individual and team relay mathematics questions. Scores from these questions are compiled throughout the season, allowing participants to be ranked along with their counterparts from other schools. The season culminates in an all-county competition where top performing students and schools earn the opportunity to advance to competition at the state level. This year's competition is being held at CNS High School February, 6, 2016. Good luck Wildcats! Page 6 It’s Academic Around the High School … Mr. West Genesee … Come join the fun as we see and hear some of our finest candidates competing for the title of Mr. West Genesee! On Friday, February 26 at 6:00 pm in the Auditorium, these young men will be judged on three areas of competition, they are; swimsuit, talent, and formal wear. Additionally, they’ll receive points towards creativity in their outfit for the opening number/dance routine. The winner receives a $500 scholarship and there are also prizes for 1st and 2nd runners-up. The Miss West Genesee winner is also crowned at the event and will win a $500 scholarship as well. Tickets are advanced sale only with a limited supply at $5 each. You can purchase tickets before and after school on February 23-25 and in the morning only on Friday, February 26. No tickets will be sold at the door Health Office … By Nurses: Mimi Didio / Maryann Motala NEW Online Registration for Athletic Sports Sign up for Spring Sports coming soon! Registration opens February 7 and closes February 29 for JV and Varsity Sports. Family ID is the website West Genesee will be using. Please watch for more information that will be arriving at your home in the near future. Physical Exams must be after March 1, 2015 for spring sports. Dr. Dennis Daly will be conducting school physicals on March 1, 2015 at 9:30 am. If your child is in need of a physical for 10th grade requirements, sports, working papers or new student requirements, it can be done at that time. Please contact the Health Office and have your students name put on the list if needed at 487-4607. Library News … by Librarian: Mary Gotham Reading has impacted and improved my life in more ways than I can count. Research continually shows positive correlations to reading and intellect. This blog came through my feed and I thought the writer self-discovered what I’ve believed for years… 8 Benefits of Reading (or Ways Reading Makes You Better at Life) 1. Reading Makes You Smarter: readers have higher intelligence, do better academically and stay sharper as they age. 2. Reading Reduces Stress: reading is relaxing and provides distraction and escape, especially when reading fiction. 3. Reading Provides Greater Tranquility: reading forces you to sit quietly and still. To learn more, check out this 6 minute TED Talk by Lisa Bu on “How Books Can Open Your Mind” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ibCtsHgz3Y). 4. Improved Analytical Thinking: reading improves your knowledge base. Readers are better at spotting patterns and have better analytical skills. 5. Increased Vocabulary: reading exposes you to new words. The vocabulary in books is more sophisticated than in typical conversations. Increased vocabulary = increased intelligence. 6. Improved Memory: a habit of reading improves your mind and memory. Reading keeps the mind sharp as you age. 7. Improved Writing Skills: writers read. Good writers are avid readers. Read more, write better. 8. Helps Prioritize Goals: reading allows your mind to wander. Reading opens you up to new possibilities. Reading can provide ideas, impetuous and guidance. Make a habit of reading. If reading is important to you, you’ll find the time, you’ll find a way. Make your life better today; pick up a good book and read. Source: "8 Benefits of Reading (or Ways Reading Makes You Better at Life)." LifeDev RSS. Web. 15 Jan. 2016. Page 7 It’s Academic On January 14, it was announced that twelve students at the high school from both Photography and Ceramics classes won recognition at the 2016 Scholastic Art competition. Below is a summary of the awards received. Student Grade Category Piece Title Award Teacher Madalyn Benson 10 Photography Run-away Silver Key John Capria Nathan Couse 10 Photography Forever Young Gold Key John Capria Emily Green 12 Photography Just a Spoonful of Sugar Gold Key John Capria Emily Green 12 Art Portfolio The View Through My Lens Honorable Mention John Capria Emily Green 12 Photography Lost in a World of Color Silver Key John Capria Emily Green 12 Photography Electrical Storm Silver Key John Capria Lindsey Ingram 10 Photography Hide & Seek Silver Key John Capria Jessica Mahoney 10 Photography All Star Silver Key John Capria Jessica Pototsky 9 Photography Drawing Perspective Silver Key John Capria Lauren Root 10 Photography L'espoir Pour Paris Honorable Mention John Capria Grace VanHoven 11 Digital Art Flora and Flawed Honorable Mention John Capria Jose Castanon 10 Ceramics & Glass Morocco Silver Key Jennifer Schrader Nicole Corrente 12 Ceramics & Glass Anabantidae Splenden Honorable Mention Jennifer Schrader Nicole Corrente 12 Ceramics & Glass Planet Number 2 Silver Key Jennifer Schrader Nicholas Faiola 12 Ceramics & Glass Blue Mug Honorable Mention Jennifer Schrader Katie Lannon 12 Ceramics & Glass Rose Teacup Honorable Mention Jennifer Schrader Page 8 Career Center Updates … It’s Academic By Cici Sauda Career Center Coordinator Seniors … The Scholarship Hunt Begins Many seniors have begun their search for scholarships. Some have indicated that they are confused about how to begin or what to do. Begin your scholarship hunt by visiting our website - www.westgenesee.org. Under Career Center, you will find current scholarship information which is listed and updated regularly. If a scholarship requires a generic application, the easiest way to apply is to go to our website, choose the generic electronic form listed towards the bottom of the scholarship page. By filling out this electronic version, you can save it, and then use it over again. Simply change the name of the scholarship each time. Prior to submitting an application, be sure all requested requirements are attached, and then submit the completed application to Mrs. Tarolli in the Counseling Office. It is extremely important that you allow time for your counselor to get information gathered including your transcript and recommendations. Please plan on submitting scholarships two weeks before their actual due date. Be sure to check the website often, as it is updated frequently. We also recommend that you check out www.fastweb.com for national scholarships. Applying for scholarships is extremely time-consuming. Most scholarships require essays, however sometimes you can use one that you have already written by changing or adding a few key sentences. Because of the competitiveness of these scholarships, mistakes are generally not accepted. It is highly recommended to have someone edit your applications. Parents, feel free to call me at 487-4647 or e-mail [email protected] with any questions or concerns you may have. GOOD LUCK!!! Juniors … It’s Time!!! The winter recess is a great time to visit college campuses. Campuses are in session and filled with students. This is a great week for visitation especially for those who have other commitments in the spring. Call the campuses you wish to visit to set up an appointment or to reserve a spot when they are holding an open house. Reservations can sometimes be made on the specific college’s website. There is a Campus Visit Check List available in the Career Center. It is also time to register for upcoming SAT’s. They are offered on March 5, May 7 (given at West Genesee High School) and June 4. Students should register at www.collegeboard.com by February 5 for the March test date. There are a limited number of seats available. If West Genesee is your preferred location you should register for that no later than April 8 to avoid late fees. Please keep your user name and password in a safe location. Students cannot retrieve their scores without them. Please keep in mind that there are “new rules.” Students will NOT be admitted without an admission ticket that has their picture on it. Be sure the picture is clear and that the student taking the test is the only person in the picture. The ticket can be obtained at the website upon registering. Students will also need a picture i.d. such as a permit, license, school i.d. or passport. Also, the option of going stand by to any exam NO LONGER EXISTS. The ACT dates are April 9 (at West Genesee High School) and June 11. Register for this exam at www.actstudent.org. Students are encouraged to prepare for these tests. Not only can scores help students get admitted to the college of his/her choice, but can increase students’ chances of being considered for scholarships. Students can do practice tests/questions on Method Test Prep found on Naviance, or take a prep class at West Genesee High School. The prep class dates are TBA. There are many other practice sites. Google SAT or ACT practice questions and sites will come up. March is Career Month in the Career Center. There will be many representatives from our community coming in to share their backgrounds, education and occupations. If any parent would like to volunteer about 40 minutes to talk to students, please contact me at 487-4647 or e-mail [email protected]. These mini-sessions are very informal, small groups. Page 9 It’s Academic All Night Party ... Yearbook ... Please join us as we finalize our plans for this fun senior event. Upcoming meetings are in the high school library at 7:00 pm on the following dates: Parents and students, if you have pictures from any of our high school winter sports teams, we'd love to select a few for the yearbook. If you'd like your photos considered for publication, please email your pictures to: [email protected] February 8 March 8 April 5 April 18 May 10 Our new chairpeople include: Mickie Lannon – [email protected] (313-8600) Liz Mossotti – [email protected] (415-2033) We'd love to have your Winter Sports Photos! - The yearbook website will be closed as of Feb. 4 - Call Joanne Pooler (487-4688) with questions Page 10 It’s Academic WGHS PTSO News ... Our year is off to busy start and we thank those parents who attended our re-scheduled January meeting. Attending meetings is a great way to meet the Executive Principal and other parents, and discuss important issues specific to the high school. So please consider joining us! The remaining PTSO meetings will be held on the following Tuesdays in the WGHS Library at 7:00 pm: March 15, 2016 May 17, 2016 April 19, 2016 June 21, 2016 Note: no meeting in February Thank you to the over 50 families, teachers and staff who have already joined the PTSO. If you want to join, it’s not too late! Dues are only $5.00 and you help support the many activities of the PTSO. Go to the PTSO web page and click on the PTSO Membership Form (on the right hand side), print and complete the form, and send it in to the high school main office. The PTSO is now planning our 4th Annual Ladies Night, which will be held at WGHS on Thursday May 19. This event has been huge success for the PTSO. We will again have a variety of vendors, raffles, student entertainment and refreshments. Parking and admission are free. We are currently accepting vendor applications for this event. If you would like to apply for vendor space, or you know someone who would, please contact Lori DiCaprio-Lee at [email protected] or 468-5444 for an application or further details. The application deadline is April 1, 2016. All proceeds from this event will support the WGHS PTSO Scholarship Fund. As always if you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact any of the PTSO Officers: President: Lori DiCaprio-Lee [email protected] Treasurer: Amal White [email protected] Secretary: Barbara Soper [email protected] West Genesee Special Education PTSA News & Events The WG SEPTSA leadership team has been busy! We have contacted a Certified Autism Movement Therapy instructor and there will be a workshop on this dance-based cognitive therapy on February 23 at 6:15 p.m. in the WGHS library. The workshop is free and limited to 10 participants. Reservations are advised so reserve your spot by sending an email to [email protected]. Other upcoming events include: For more information visit us at: westgenesee.org/specialeducation/WGSEPTSA Let’s Go Bowling … on Sundays at Solvay Lanes, 1737 Milton Ave in Syracuse. Two games w/shoes = $8.00 / Bowling starts at 1:00 pm Dates include: Feb.7, 14, 21, March 6, 13, 20, April 3, 10. (No bowling on 2/28 or 3/27) On April 17 there will be a Bowl-A-Thon to raise funds for WG SEPTSA programs and activities. Fun for all! Other events … February 23 … Autism Movement Therapy workshop at WGHS library 6:15 pm March 5-7 …… Annual Culture Fair- WG SEPTSA Bake Sale Noon-3 pm March 23 …… Regional Resource Fair in the HS Library from 6-8 pm April 14 ……... WG SEPTSA meeting in the HS LGI room starting at 6:30 pm May 31 ………. WG SEPTSA meeting to include the installation of the 2016-2017 officers in the HS LGI room at 6:30 pm June 22 ……… WG SEPTSA Annual Picnic at Shove Park Pavilion starting at 5:00 pm Page 11 It’s Academic - After School Interaction Time Guidelines Tuesday - Friday Interaction Time [IT] is an excellent means and service available to all our students for the purpose of promoting greater academic success. The program is held Tuesday through Friday from 2:00 p.m. – 2:40 p.m. All students are encouraged to make daily use of our IT program, the following guidelines serve to assist them in providing a more safe and meaningful academic experience. • Students should be with a teacher by 2:05 pm. Students reporting to a teacher or the academic study hall require a pass unless they are leaving the building; • Students not utilizing IT but are participating in an after-school co-curricular activity (athletic practice/game, fine arts rehearsal, club, etc.) should report directly to the academic study hall (not their team room, locker room, etc.) and remain there (no passes) until 2:40 pm.; • • • 11 12 1 10 2 3 9 4 8 7 6 5 - High School Class Schedule Period Class Time Period 1 + HR 7:25 - 8:11 Co-curricular activities may only begin upon the completion of IT at 2:40 pm; Period 2 8:15 – 8:56 Students not staying for IT and are waiting for a ride home, will report directly to Cafeteria I and wait for their ride; Period 3 9:00 - 9:41 Period 4 9:45 - 10:26 The blue fire doors connecting the academic wings in the front and back of the building will be closed at 2:15 pm. 5 - Lunch 10:30 - 11:00 Period 5/6 10:30 - 11:11 Period 6/7 11:04 – 11:45 7 - Lunch 11:15 – 11:45 Period 7/8 11:15 - 11:56 Period 8/9 11:49 - 12:30 9 - Lunch 12:00 - 12:30 Period 10 12:34 - 1:15 Period 11 1:19 - 2:00 Interaction 2:04 – 2:40 Upon completion of their participation in Interaction Time or their co-curricular activity, students should exit the building or report to the lobby for transportation. Students leaving the building after 2:40 p.m. and planning to return for co-curricular activities may not re-enter the building until the scheduled time of the activity.