November 2014 - Oriskany Central School District

Oriskany District News
Volume Thirty-Seven, Issue 2—www.oriskanycsd.org
A Tree Grows in Oriskany
The construction of our new student drop off
circle at the high school is complete. This is the first
phase of several to be completed over the next year.
As you have driven by, you
probably noticed we were
able to preserve a large ginkgo tree that has been growing in that location for decades. It struck me how symbolic that tree is to our work
in, and our beliefs about,
Oriskany Schools.
appropriate and up-to-date resources and learning
environment necessary to prepare them for an ever
changing world. We enlist the help of architects who
understand this commitment
to balance. It is not easy to
satisfy both needs for preservation and progress, but we
believe it is worth the extra
efforts.
For years Oriskany has been able to strike a
delicate balance between progress and preservation,
and the tree is a symbolic representation of that balance. We understand that the needs of both our children and our community have changed over time
and our school must reflect these changing
needs. We work hard to retain the history and integrity that are reflected in our school facilities. Still, we
are committed to providing our students with the
succeed as the world around us changes. Time
marches on. We will continue to help our students
reach toward the sky while their roots are planted
firmly, and forever, in Oriskany. Time marches on
and so does our commitment to our students.
We went through
many design plans and
spent countless hours conThe Board of Educafiguring and reconfiguring a
tion and the school staff constudent drop off loop that
sider many factors when
would allow us to preserve
making decisions about
the tree. One of our greatest
school renovations. Safety
challenges was working
comes first, usability comes
around the root system, but
second, and appearance
what could be more imcomes third – and all these
portant in Oriskany than
considerations are viewed
preserving our roots? Our
through a lens of fiscal rehistory unites us, defines us
sponsibility. As we began
and propels us ever onward.
considering improvements
Without our rich history and
that would address getting
strong foundation, our gradour students in and out of the high school safely, re- uates could not reach the heights that they are capamoving the ginkgo tree made sense. It would have
ble of and deserve. You will see that the tree is now
sped up the design process, it would have made con- a focal point within the design.
struction more efficient, and it would have cost us
Our hope is to preserve our tree – our history –
less in the long run. Why, then, save the tree?
as much as we are able without limiting our ability to
Greg Kelahan, Superintendent of Schools
News from Building Principals _______________________________________________
Dear Families,
Dear Families,
We had a great transition from summer vacation to
the beginning of the 2014-15 school year! Our students and staff are off to a great start and our prekindergarten and kindergarten students have done an
extraordinary job adjusting to the N.A. Walbran
Learning Community. We are very proud of our
learning community and our families for making this
transition occur.
The high school is off to a great start. Our incoming
7th grade students have adjusted to their new surroundings and seem to improve and grow daily.
Our senior class has embraced their role as leaders
and will provide our school with quality ideas and
activities that will benefit all of the OCS student
body. Our teachers and staff have created a positive, meaningful and nurturing learning environment where students can improve and succeed. Our
students approach each day with enthusiasm and
genuine interest in learning. They take pride in being members of our learning community. Our staff
has taken pride in developing positive relationships
with students and providing a rigorous learning climate. It has been a pleasure getting to know OCS
staff, parents and students.
I would like to thank all of our parents and family
members for attending our Curriculum Night in September and our October Open House. Both of these
nights gave our teachers and families an opportunity
to talk about the curriculum and what students will
be learning this school year. If you have not already
done so, please sign up for a November Parent/
Teacher conference time. Conferences will take place
on November 13th, 18th, and 20th. This will give you
an opportunity to discuss, in more detail, the progress
your child is making.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns,
please feel free to contact me at school at any time.
We have recently concluded our successful “Spirit
Week” activities. Our students participated in a variety of activities throughout the week. Our seniors
took responsibility for creating and developing the
various activities that made up our week. Their enthusiasm was contagious, as the entire student body
participated.
Thank you,
Michael Davis, Principal
N.A. Walbran Elementary School
Emergency Notification System Test
We will be testing the Emergency Notification
System at 6PM on Friday, November 21st. If
you do not receive the message, please contact
your child’s school.
Our seniors are in the process of selecting colleges
for their future educational endeavors. A number of
college representatives visit our students on daily
basis in an effort to provide insightful information
regarding this crucial decision.
It is with pride that I serve as your HS Principal. We,
at OCS, are meeting the diverse challenges of education today. The programs that have been developed
for students are unique and provide opportunities
that will lead to success. If we continue to work together, the future will remain bright for the
Oriskany learning community.
Thank you,
Michael Rizzi, Interim Principal
Oriskany Jr.-Sr. High School
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Senior Shadowing Day ______________________________________________________
Senior Shadowing Day took place on October 29th. Career Shadowing gives students in the senior class the opportunity to spend a day at the worksite learning
about a career of their choice. By following an adult worker through a portion of
his/her day, you learn first-hand about job expectations and workplace skills.
This experience will help seniors’ plan for college and their future. All seniors have
the opportunity to participate in a shadowing experience. Seniors that are attending B.O.C.E.S. will gain this experience through their program at the Career &
Technical Education Center through internships.
Buildings & Grounds Update
With the school year quickly moving along, we want to reflect
on the past few months and point out some of the great things
that are going on in this department. This past summer we
were fortunate enough to have a student-work program that
allowed 10 students to assist our department in summer cleaning. Every space in our buildings was thoroughly cleaned and
a proactive maintenance plan was implemented. This department realizes the important role that we have in successfully
educating our students and we will continue to ensure that our
buildings and grounds are safe and well-maintained.
Success in Math
Teachers are excited to see the change in their student’s math skills this
year! As you listen in on any classroom this year, you will hear students explaining their ideas, using math talk and see students working
hard to solve problems.
Already, our teachers and administrators have seen noticeable changes
in our student’s math thinking this year due to our change in math program using the NYS math modules. Teachers have been working hard
to implement these changes over the past year; meeting as teams, attending trainings and meeting with RtI specialists to help with our program change.
Students have risen to the challenge! We would like to thank parents
for their continued support as they work with their child at home. Together we can help our students succeed!
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Juniors take the PSAT/NMSQT_______________________________________________
All interested juniors who are considering attending a four year college took the Preliminary
Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT), which was administered on October 15th. The benefits of taking the PSAT include the following:
1.
It provides practice for taking the S.A.T., which most juniors will take for the first time in
the spring 2015.
2.
Students can predict their S.A.T. scores from the PSAT/NMSQT scores. This information
will be helpful this year as students explore colleges and consider the admission requirements of particular schools.
Students may choose to participate in a service that will forward their names to various
colleges that are seeking students like them. Then they will receive information from
these colleges.
Students are automatically entered in scholarship competitions by taking the PSAT/
NMSQT.
Scores on the PSAT will indicate if students have the reading and math skills they need
for college.
3.
4.
5.
As stated earlier, the PSAT will help prepare for the SAT which the Juniors should take in the
spring. If you do not perform as well as you would have liked to in the spring, you will have the
opportunity to take the SAT over again in the fall. Information regarding upcoming test dates
can be found online at www.collegeboard.com. Students will also receive information in their
English classes later in the year.
For more SAT or ACT information, tips, practice and prep tools, visit kaptest.com .
Selective Service Registration / Financial Aid Information
May I have your attention please!!! I have an important announcement for all 17 and 18 year-old
males. If you are within 30 days of your 18th birthday, federal law requires you to register with Selective Service.
Registering with Selective Service allows you to receive federal student loans for college, participate
in federal job training programs, and have the opportunity to work in the federal government. If
you do not register with Selective Service, you will lose out on these things and more.
Registering with Selective Service is simple and easy. Registering with Selective Service within 30
days of your 18th birthday is the law! Just fill out and return the registration card you receive in the
mail or go to the post office down the street and fill out a form there. Even better, save a stamp.
Save time. Register on-line. Use the internet to register at www.sss.gov.
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Retaking the SAT___________________________________________________________
How can students decide if they should take the SAT Reasoning Test again? Many students take
the SAT Reasoning Test for the first time in the spring of their junior year, and then again in the
fall of their senior year. The score report contains score change information specific to the student, based on score change results of other students with the same score.
Here are some general points about score change that may help you advise your students.
55% of juniors taking the test improved their scores as seniors.
35% had score drops.
10% had no change.
The higher a student's scores as a junior, the more likely that student's subsequent scores will drop.
The lower the initial scores, the more likely the scores will go up. On average, juniors repeating the
SAT as seniors improved their combined critical reading, mathematics, and writing scores by about
40 points. About 1 in 25 gained 100 or more points on critical reading or mathematics, and about 1
in 90 lost 100 or more points.
Copyright Collegeboard.com
College Applications
The application deadlines are different for most of the colleges/universities. It is each student’s responsibility to contact the colleges he or she is considering to find out their deadlines. We recommend that all students complete the college application process before December 1st. However, if
you are applying early decision, the deadline will most likely be prior to this date. College applications should be completed carefully. Rough drafts should be utilized to develop well thought out
answers to questions before producing the final (neat appearing) copy and much effort should also
be given to writing good essays when required. All applications (and corresponding fees) are to be
submitted to the Guidance Office where they will be checked for accuracy and forwarded to the colleges along with copies of the students’ high school transcript. Students and parents who have
questions about the college application process should contact the Guidance Office.
9th Grade News
This is it!!!!! Ninth grade is the year in which the students’ scholastic record begins to “count”
for their future in terms of higher education, the military, and career. College admission personnel review students’ accomplishments from ninth through twelfth grades in determining
whether to grant admission to their institutions. Grades, the types of courses selected, test
scores, as well as extracurricular activities are among the factors considered in this process. A
student’s character can also play a role as colleges often request letters of recommendation
from faculty members. Whether or not a student is awarded academic scholarships for college
often is dependent upon the above factors, as well. In terms of the military, a student’s performance on the ASVAB (an aptitude test required by the military) helps to determine the type of
training/military occupation he or she is assigned. Certainly, the better a student performs in
school, the better prepared they are to do well on this test. For these reasons, now is the time
for students to put “their best foot forward” scholastically and to maintain this standard
throughout their high school career.
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Should You Pay Your Kids for A’s?____________________________________________
Is an “A” worth $10? Should you banish video games for a month for each “F”?
Lisa Huffman, assistant professor of educational psychology at Ball State University in Muncie, Ind., knows
the right thing to do when it comes to your children's report cards. The short answer: No, you should not pay
your kids for their grades, but you should celebrate a report card. Use incentives, not bribes, to inspire your
children to do well in school.
Huffman offers 10 tips for handling report cards from kindergarten to the senior year of high school:
1. Keep the lines of communication open.
Ask your child how he feels about the school term before discussing the report card. For example, is she worried about what her marks may be? Be sure to let children know that discussing concerns is good. This way
they will be more likely to let you know if there are any problems.
2. Take report cards seriously.
While report cards don't tell the whole story, they do reflect how a student is progressing. Pay special attention to any grades that come as a surprise--be they good or bad grades. Encourage children to talk about
school performance whether it's positive or negative.
3. Praise a good report card.
Be sure to let your child know that you are proud of his good work and accomplishments. This is a good time
to post your child's work in a prominent place, such as a refrigerator. While celebrating successes, also praise
improvements in performance and commitments to working hard.
4. Talk about a bad report card.
Failure can be scary, but if your child does not do as well as expected, talk openly about it. Reassure your
child that poor grades do not mean he is a failure. Poor report cards can be a catalyst for change and do not
need to be a reason for punishment. You can work to develop a plan of action with goals for improvement.
5. Set realistic goals.
It is probably not realistic to go from a "C" to an "A" on the next report card. However, a "B" seems realistic.
Maybe completing all homework on time or achieving an "A" on two or more assignments in a particular topic is your goal. Encourage your child to do her best.
6. Don't assume an "A" reflects your child's best efforts.
Talk to her about the ease with which she completes course work. For some children, the work is not challenging enough.
7. Look at your child's work regularly.
Report cards only come out a few times a year. Review your student's work regularly and pay special attention to grades and comments that go along with them. This will help you and your student identify trouble
spots before it is too late.
8. Encourage good work habits and effort.
Poor grades on report cards may not reflect inability, but rather insufficient effort. When your child is studying or doing homework, take that time for yourself to also do something quietly to help lessen distractions.
9. Be involved in your child's school.
Children who do well in school have parents who are actively involved in their children's education and their
school. Volunteer at school and help your child with her homework.
10. Incentives can be rewarding when children do well or meet goals.
However, they should not be bribes. Rather than telling children you will give them money for good grades
before they have even earned them, surprise them after the grades are earned with a small gift or some special time. Be sure to praise effort and improvement along with good grades. Children should want good
grades out of interest, pride, and an understanding that success in school is necessary for success in life. Children should not earn good grades only because they will get a reward.
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THE ARTBUZZ
Artwork above by David RC Oster, Little
Local artist, David RC Oster, visited the general drawing class on Wednesday October 8, 2014. He shared his artwork and career experience with the students before providing feedback of the student’s drawings. Oster uses one and two point
perspective in his pen and ink drawings of local homes and barns. He is also known
for his drawings of roller coasters. In the picture above is one of Oster’s works of
art. In the pictures below are student’s work.
Artwork below by Ethan Juarez, Oriskany,
NY
Artwork below by Devin Bryant, Oriskany,
NY
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College Costs _______________________________________________________________
Don’t be surprised by the costs of a four-year college!
You know you want to go to a four-year school. But are you ready to pay for it? There are a lot of
expenses to consider when considering attending college. Don’t find yourself unprepared. Instead,
get the answers to these important questions about college costs.
Q
A
Q
A
Q
A
Q
A
Q
A
Q
A
What’s meant by the cost of attendance?
A school’s cost of attendance (COA) is the total college costs to attend the college for a year.
The COA not only tells how much money you’ll need for tuition, but also for fees, room,
board and other expenses. The COA is used in determining the financial aid for which you
are eligible. COA varies from school to school.
Tuition and fees are expensive, right?
Tuition and fees range in cost depending on which four-year school you choose to attend.
You can control your out-of-pocket college costs through your choices. According to the
Federal Student Aid website, college costs about $9,500 to attend an in-state, four-year
college for one year (add about $5,000 to that if your college of choice is out of state.) A
private four-year college will cost about $21,500 per year. ...Which makes what you’re paying
at your current community college—an average of about $1,379 a year—sound very
attractive. As you’ve learned by now, tuition isn’t static—the college costs change each year.
Keep tabs on any cost increases to avoid surprises.
Is room and board included in the tuition price?
No. But you can choose how much you want to spend on this. Room costs depend on
whether you live on campus, rent an apartment alone or with friends or live at home. Board
refers to another highly variable but vital expense: food. You can pick a meal plan to fit your
budget and hunger needs. You may be tempted to pick the plan with the most meals, but
consider starting with a mid-size plan and upgrade later if necessary.
Do I need to buy a computer?
Some four-year schools will require that you purchase a PC and Internet access. Some
programs will give you a laptop to use while you’re in school. But most campuses have easyto-access computer labs with enough computers to meet your needs. Make sure you know
where all the labs are in case the one you frequent is full.
What should I expect as far as transportation costs are concerned?
Costs can range from bus or subway fares to cross-country airfare. This is definitely one area
to give some serious thought. Can you afford a car? Sure it would be nice to have that luxury,
but don’t forget the expenses like gasoline, insurance and parking fees. If you are considering
going to college in a different state, think about how often you can afford to come home. This
may affect your choice of schools.
What other college costs are there?
The cost of going to college includes a long list of expenses, many of which can be controlled
to some extent. You can save yourself from devastating surprises if you do your research
well. Be sure you understand and compare the fixed college costs for each school you are
considering so you know exactly for what you must prepare. You don’t want to have to delay
your education because you didn’t have all the facts about the cost of transferring to a fouryear college.
By Joanna Salinas; NextStepU 2013
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Jakob
Lily, Hannah, Skylie
The Oriskany Art Department has joined Artsonia, the world’s largest online student art museum. Participating in Artsonia provides many benefits to students,
parents, teachers, schools, and communities. It helps boost students’ effort and
pride in their work. It provides an opportunity for family involvement in students’
education. Technology is integrated into the art room. Literacy is promoted
through artist statements and comments. If personalized keepsakes are purchased, 20% of the revenue goes back to the art program. Visit Artsonia.com and
celebrate our young artists Grades Pre-K – 12.
Special thanks to the parents
who volunteered to photograph, crop, label, and upload
artwork!
Right: Tyler and Anthony Macera
See these and more on Artsonia!
Kaylee, Gr. K
Annika, Gr.4
Emily, Gr. 5
Charlie, Gr. 6
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Alternative High School _____________________________________________________
What Happens at the Oriskany Alternative High School?
by Karen Lobdell
As the Building Principal for the Oriskany Alternative High School, I have the unique task of leading
a learning organization that serves at risk students residing within our district at the Oneida County Correctional Facility. Some have been incarcerated due to arrests occurring in Oneida County and others have been
transferred to our facility due to overcrowding at a neighboring facility in Herkimer or Onondaga County.
Each incarcerated student who chooses to participate in the Incarcerated Youth Education Program must be
provided with at least 3 hours of instruction on each school day. Most of these students pursue the New
York State High School Equivalency Diploma; however, on occasion a student may have sufficient coursework and Regents Exams completed to allow them to successfully engage in high school programming leading to a Regents Diploma, Local Diploma or High School Career Development & Occupational Studies Credential before aging out of public education on June 30th in the school year they turn 21 years of age. College
and career readiness remain the ultimate goals of this distinctive education program. Upon release from the
facility, students are encouraged to continue their education program through their school district of residence or an adult education program. Each year about 20-25 students receive a diploma or credential before
they leave the facility.
The highly competent and collaborative teaching staff for this school consists of one full time Special
Education Teacher, 2 part time Teachers, and 2 full time Teaching Assistants. Together this staff provides
academic instruction for about 20-30 students each day. There are always two adults present in the classroom and the small teacher-to-student ratio allows for individualization of learning despite the varied levels
of ability found in one classroom.
Each day the class composition is different. Someone left, someone came for the first time, someone
has been here every day for the past month or week and sadly, sometimes, someone returns. But most importantly, each student who attends is provided hope for the future as their teachers help them develop reading, writing, math, science and social studies knowledge and skills needed for success in college and careers.
Eventually students find their own hope by learning what it takes to achieve professionalism as declared in
the “I Can Be Professional” statement that is front and center of the classroom. Once they become professional, the future is brighter and the possibility for success exists despite the past.
Each day I enter this unique classroom, I marvel at how much it looks and feels like any other classroom in our school district, despite what I went through in order to enter its doorway. Word Walls, I Can
Statements, Inspiring Posters, Student Work, and Rules and Procedures are on the walls and an integral part
of the instruction. Instruction centers around the SmartBoard and individualized lessons and assignments
are found in each student’s personal folder at their desks. The teachers deliver instruction and the teaching
assistants work with the teachers to individually support the students as they work to master the skills they
need for success. Students listen attentively, teachers and staff encourage their efforts, mistakes are made,
and lessons are learned until students find academic, personal, and professional success. It is a place where
hope and effort are valued and rewarded. Teachers put smiles on their students’ faces when they announce
“SUCCESS!” in response to evidence of learning. Students put smiles on their teachers’ faces when they say,
“Thank you for teaching us!” It really is just like every other classroom in our school district because it is a
place where opportunity exists, the past is something to learn from, and the future is the reason to learn.
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New Staff __________________________________________________________________
Mr. Redhead joins Oriskany this
year as a social studies teacher. Mr. Redhead currently has sections of 7th grade
and 9th grade social studies.
He most recently worked for six
years in the neighboring Rome City
School District. During his time in Rome,
Mr. Redhead taught 8th and 9th grade
social studies. Besides teaching, Mr. Redhead was employed for ten summers by the New York State DEC as a
Park Ranger at Limekiln Lake in the Adirondacks.
Mr. Redhead received his Bachelor’s Degree in Adolescent Education with a concentrate in History from
SUNY Oswego in 2007. After being hired in Rome in 2008,
he enrolled as a full time graduate student and received a
Master’s Degree in Special Education. He is currently certified in Social Studies and Students with Disabilities
Grades 5-9. In addition, Mr. Redhead will be soon completing an additional certification in Biology.
Mr. Redhead grew up in Central New York and is a
Rome Free Academy graduate. He is excited to be part of a
small school and community where there is more opportunity to build relationships and have a positive impact on
his students. "My enthusiasm for sharing history with
those around me, and my desire to encourage authentic
learning and growth is what has inspired me to become a
teacher. Kids have an incredible amount of enthusiasm and
energy and I enjoy channeling that educationally. Through
my teaching experiences I have learned the value of being a
caring teacher that can see the success in all of my students."
Miss Allison Young
joins us this year as the HS
band, choir and general music teacher. She will also be
helping with the drama club
productions.
For the past two
years she has worked as a
long term sub in Utica, teaching at JFK, Donovan, Hughes and Conkling.
She is a Utica native who graduated
from Proctor before going on to SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music. There she graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education and a minor in Design and Technical Theater. She stayed at Crane for grad school, earning a Master’s Degree in Music Education.
In addition to teaching music, she stage
manages throughout the community. In the
summer she works for Rome Capitol Theater’s
Summerstage productions and in the fall with
Utica’s M. Proctor Theater Guild.
She is very excited to be teaching at
Oriskany. “I have always wanted to work in a
small town, and I’m thrilled I get to do it so
close to where I grew up! I look forward to getting to know the students and helping them on
their journey to becoming successful and independent adults.”
Mrs. Savoy joins us this year as a high school math teacher. She taught
three years of high school math and science at Rome Catholic School and previous
to that was a substitute teacher in the Holland Patent School district. Most recently she was the Math/Physics Specialist at the SUNY Poly Learning Center where
she has also been an adjunct instructor since 2008.
Mrs. Savoy received her Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Mathematics from
SUNYIT and a Master’s Degree in Secondary Education Math 7-12 from Utica College.
Mrs. Savoy is impressed with the very warm welcome she has received from the faculty, staff and students. “I heard many positive things about OCS which helped in my decision to accept my position and I
have not been disappointed. I feel very fortunate to be part of a wonderful district with such a supportive
atmosphere and look forward to spending many years here.”
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New Staff __________________________________________________________________
Mrs. Davis joins
us this year as a Teaching
Assistant. She is an alumnus of the Oriskany Central School District.
Mrs. Davis most
recently worked as the
Parent Coordinator in the
Rome City School District
for 9 years. While in
Rome, Mrs. Davis worked with building
principals and assistant superintendents on
increasing parent engagement in the district. She also held parent workshops in
Common Core, helping students get organized, making the transition to high school,
and other trending topics.
Mrs. Davis graduated from Carroll
College in Wisconsin with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and Photography.
She also served in the United States Air
Force.
“I love that I get the opportunity to
work in the district where I obtained my
education and where my two children, Abby and Colton, are getting their education. I
am excited to work with both the faculty
and parents of the district and being able to
help their children learn and grow.”
Ms. Korrie joins us this year as the new
School Social Worker. She has most recently
worked as a clinical supervisor at Kids Oneida.
Ms. Korrie comes to us with a wide
range of past experience in the field of social
work and also healthcare. She was a full time
School Social Worker for the Utica School District for three years. Ms. Korrie had a combined role as a grant facilitator and social worker, where she helped develop and implement a Response to Intervention (RtI) School Counseling Behavioral Program for
use in the Utica City School District elementary schools. She was the
lead facilitator in developing the District Procedures and Practices for
RtI. Ms. Korrie worked with students from Kindergarten—12 in the
three years she was employed in Utica.
Ms. Korrie also worked for the Oneida County Department of
Social Services (as a caseworker), at Insight House (as a counselor, clinical supervisor, then Associate Director), and at Mohawk Valley Consulting Associates (as an EAP Trainer and counselor.) Prior to her full
time role as a clinical supervisor for Kids Oneida, she was a provider
with Kids Oneida since 2003.
Ms. Korrie graduated with her Master’s Degree in Social Work
in 1994 from Syracuse University. She holds a NYS Social Work license
since 10/94, and a NYS School Social Work Certification.
Ms. Korrie is excited to be a part of the Oriskany School District. “I am thrilled and feel very fortunate to be a part of a school district such as a Oriskany that won’t settle for being anything but the
best. In my opinion it is the best kept secret in Oneida County. My goal
as a school social worker is to help alleviate any barriers to learning,
engage students in positive learning experiences and promote student
social and academic success.”
Mr. Riccio joins Oriskany as a first year teacher. Most recently he has completed a
MAT program at the American Museum of Natural History in NYC and was certified in 7-12
Earth Science Education. He is currently teaching Earth Science and Science 8 at Oriskany.
In May 2009 Mr. Riccio received a BS in Geology and Earth Science Education from the
Geosciences department at Virginia Polytechnic Institute in Southwest, VA. Upon completing
his degree, he applied for a position to work with researchers at Syracuse University on a Masters project focused on the tectonics of south-central Alaska. Mr. Riccio received a MS degree
from Syracuse University in 2012 and has since been an author on several publications in professional journals, including his most recent 1st author publication in the journal of "Tectonics."
Mr. Riccio is originally from the Syracuse area and now resides in the countryside southwest of Utica. He is
happy to be living and exploring a new beautiful part of upstate that he can now call home. "The Mohawk Valley is
so rich in natural history, as a Earth Science teacher I'm excited to explore the region with students and allow them to
investigate the processes that shaped this beautiful landscape."
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New Staff __________________________________________________________________
Mr. Lallier joins us
this year as a new technology
teacher. He has most recently
worked at Auburn High
School teaching DDP, Transportation and Real World
Technology.
Mr. Lallier received
his Bachelor’s Degree in Technology Education from SUNY
Oswego. He will start on his Master’s Degree in
Technology Education in December. He has also
received Training through R.I.T in CAD and
through Clarkson in Robotics. Mr. Lallier has an
extensive background in residential construction
and numerous other trades.
Mr. Lallier grew up in Clinton and graduated in 2005. He is excited to be working back near
the area where he grew up. “ I am looking forward
to starting a fresh new technology program in
Oriskany. Giving students the opportunity to work
hands-on with 21st century technology and preparing them for the increasingly technical and engineering based workforce is exciting!”
Ms. Fraccola joins us this
year as an Incarcerated Youth Teaching Assistant at Oneida County Jail.
Prior, she worked for Herkimer
County BOCES with special needs
children as a 1:1 Aide for three years.
Ms. Fraccola successfully
completed and obtained a NYS Teaching Assistant Certification in June 2012. She is also certified in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention. Ms. Fraccola has an Associate's degree in
Occupational Studies obtained from Utica School of Commerce in 1981.
Miss Emily Ramos joins us
this year as a 6th grade teacher. She
is a graduate of the South Lewis CSD
and most recently worked as a 1:1
Teaching Assistant in the Rome City
School District.
She received her Bachelor’s
Degree from Utica College of Syracuse University in Liberal Studies
with a minor in Early Childhood and
Childhood Education. She is currently completing her
Master’s degree through SUNY Potsdam as a Literacy
Educator.
Miss Ramos has had many experiences in
childcare centers, tutoring, substitute teaching and
teaching summer school, as well as being a Teaching
Assistant at John Joy Elementary School. She holds
two NY Teachers Certifications that qualify her to
teach birth thru 6th grade.
She grew up in a small town in Lewis County
and feels at home in the small community at NA
Walbran and is excited to work with the faculty, staff
and students in the OCSD.
Transportation Department Update
Oriskany is soon to be one of the first school districts in our region to operate a diesel bus. As a
step to be more environmentally and cost efficient, the district has purchased a 29 passenger
propane bus that is scheduled to arrive in November. A few of the benefits that we will experience with this new bus are: more environmentally friendly, noise reduction, fuel efficiency,
reduction in maintenance, and safety improvements.
"I appreciate being a part of a community that is
striving to help these children in need. It is rewarding
helping them to achieve their goal of obtaining their high
school equivalency degree."
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Capital Project Update _______________________________________________________
If you drove by the high school, you couldn’t miss seeing the construction in the front of the building. The Student Drop-Off parking lot was reconstructed to address numerous safety and efficiency concerns. This new, one-way loop will allow parents to safely drop-off their student(s) and
exit in a safe and efficient manner. We appreciate
your patience over the last few months as this
project was underway and we look forward to
transitioning back to parents dropping their students off in this new parking lot. Please make
sure that you comply with the new traffic flow
signs and as always – drive slow and cautiously
while in the school zone.
Thank You, Veterans!
The perfect day for patriotism was October 25th when Mrs. Riley’s kindergartners and their
parents were invited to the Parkhurst American Legion Post 1448. The students listened to veterans and friends Pat Huther, Therese Hanna, Bob Mitchell and Mr. and Mrs. Tom Rothdiener, talk
about protecting and serving our country.
Each child was given the chance to study service uniforms from various branches of the
armed forces and then received a flag of their own. Karen Jacobson, from our Oriskany Museum,
invited the children to the museum to provide them with an opportunity to paint themselves wearing one of the uniforms they had observed at the legion. As a special thanks to our veterans, these
works of art will be exhibited at the Parkhurst Legion on Veteran’s Day.
The kindergartners that attended will now be experts to share with others when Veteran’s
Day arrives in November. Karen Jacobson and Mrs. Davis helped with other kindergartners who
were unable to attend, participate with patriotic activities also. Hats off to all our service men and
women! Hats off for the red, white, and blue!
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How to Select a College______________________________________________________
Having problems deciding which college to attend? Make sure the school you choose meets your
expectations in these areas:
To begin with, make a list of potential colleges. The big list should include every college that you
might be willing to attend. Once you have a list, narrow it down by taking the time to consider all of
the following:
Choosing a college can truly be a daunting task—especially with so many choices. When choosing
how to select a college, there are a few things you can consider to make the process go smoothly and
reduce your stress.
1. Location
Does the location of the school matter to you? If so, consider whether or not each college on your
list fits your needs.
2. Degree programs
Obviously, degree programs matter. In this case, you don’t just want to look at undergraduate
degrees. If you did decide to further your education with a master’s or a doctorate, does the
school provide programs to suit?
3. Campus resources
What resources does the school offer that will help you on your road to secondary education? Do
they have research opportunities in their science programs, for example?
4. Academic rankings
How does the college rate when compared to similar institutions? Although rankings aren’t everything, there is usually a reason that the highest ranked schools are so well regarded.
5. Costs
Consider the costs involved in attending each institution. Tuition isn’t the only factor; you
should also factor in the cost of food, housing, and any other activities in which you plan to be
involved.
6. Class sizes
A college with smaller class sizes may be more difficult to get into, and they may have higher tuition costs. But they also might give you a more personalized educational curriculum.
7. Housing options
What options do you have for housing in the area? Does the college offer on-campus housing? If
not, does the rental market in the area fit with your budget?
8. Faculty
Along with the school itself, you should also look at the faculty.
9. The student body
Does your personality mesh well with the college’s other students?
10. Admissions counselors
Talk to the admissions counselors at the schools you’re considering to get a feel for the school’s
offerings and if you’ll be a good fit.
Taking the time to consider all of these elements when figuring out how to select a college will
make the selection process easier. More than that, it will help you choose a school that is right for
you, and in turn help you get the most from your college years.
By Ross Blankenship; NextStepU 2013
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Non-Profit Organization
U.S. Postage Paid
Oriskany, NY 13424
Permit No. 2
ORISKANY CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
1313 Utica Street
Oriskany, NY 13424
Superintendent of Schools
Gregory Kelahan
Board of Education
Charles Courtney, President
Tad Beaver, Vice President
Shirley Burtch
Carl Graziadei
Therese Hanna
Patrick Hoehn
Donald Rothdiener, II
Oriskany Postal Patron
Spirit Week Activities
October 6th – October 10th was Spirit Week for the Oriskany Redskins. The Spirit Week days included:
America Day, Tacky Tourist Day, Career Day, Older vs. Younger Day, and Maroon and White Day. With
creative attire and great school participation, students and teachers showed their Redskin pride. The festivities came to an end with the Pep Rally on Friday, October 10th, in which fall athletes and coaches were recognized and participated in numerous games. Pep Rally concluded with football players entertaining the
crowd with their cheerleading skills. The football coaches were thoroughly impressed with the organization,
formations and tumbling displayed by the boys during the routine.
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