Alexandria Central School Newsletter—May 2015

Alexandria Central School
Newsletter—May 2015
2014-2015 School Year
Alexandria Central School
34 Bolton Avenue, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607
Phone: 315-482-9971
www.alexandriacentral.org
The Alexandria Central School District considers all
applicants for employment without regard to race,
color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability,
marital status, or veteran's status in accordance with
federal, state, and local laws and provides equal
access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth
groups.
Kyle Faulkner, Superintendent
Julie Ludwig, Secondary Principal
Amy St. Croix, Elementary Principal
Board of Education:
Patricia Aitcheson, President
William Farman, Vice President
Andrea Adsit
Jane Aikins
Stephen Dreizler
Suzanne Hunter
Christine Lingenfelter
Brianne Frizzell, School Business Manager
Kim Carpenter, Secretary to Superintendent/District Clerk
Rod Tidd, Head Mechanic
Anne Remington, Cook Manager
Darin Trickey, Head Custodian
ACS Alma Mater
Let’s join in song to the school that we love
She stands in her glory all others above
She hopes for the victory
With courage she’ll fight
Let’s hold a torch for the Purple and White
Kyle L. Faulkner, Superintendent
I am looking forward to the spring and summer in Alexandria Bay. It has been a long winter for all of us
and we deserve a break. Unfortunately, ACS did not get the kind of break we were hoping for with our
state aid from New York State. However, it can always be worse and we are happy that we will be able to
present a budget to the community that includes all programs and positions that were included in the
current budget. Although we will not be able to add some of the new items we were hoping for we will
be able to preserve what we do have. Not every school can say that, and for that I am thankful.
Alexandria Central is still dealing with the loss of over $186,000 as a result of the Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA). As you may remember, this was the program in which the Governor chose to withhold aid
from school districts in an effort to eliminate the state budget gap. That gap has been eliminated over
the last few years. Unfortunately, we will not have a full restoration of the GEA for next school year. In
fact, we are only receiving around 40% of what we should be getting, which is far less than many other
schools. Some schools have received more than 90% of their GEA from the state which allows them to be
more flexible and perhaps even add academic programs and positions. We will not have that luxury this
year.
As a result, the Board of Education and the administration have worked hard to analyze and scrutinize
every line of our budget to ensure that we are making the best possible choices and projections for next
school year. We will be presenting a budget on May 19th that includes the purchase of two new school
buses which are important as we seek to maintain a top flight fleet. This budget will also include a JV
Girls Soccer team and a JV Girls softball team. As always the Board and administration recognize and
support as many extra-curricular activities as possible to allow our students to find their niche.
The total budget expenditures for the 2015-2016 school year will be $12,431,022 which is a 2.73% increase over the current year. We will be asking the voters to approve a 2.98% increase in the tax levy
which is under the current tax cap of 3.26%. Although we would have been happy with more from the
state, we are doing well financially and we are proud to be able to present a budget that preserves all of
our programs and positions and is fiscally responsible to the community. As we continue to hear so much
negative publicity about Common Core, modules, and APPR, rest assured that ACS will continue to work
hard to provide a positive and nurturing environment for our students. As always, please do not hesitate
to contact me if you have questions.
Respectfully,
Kyle L. Faulkner
REMINDER
Please remember the school budget vote on
Tuesday, May 19: 7am-8pm in the school auditorium.
It is hard to believe that we are in the final quarter of the school year!
We want to sincerely thank all of our students in grades 3-8 that sat for the ELA and Math
tests that are part of the New York State required assessments. We appreciate the effort
students gave to the assessments and hope to use the information to continue to improve
programs for our students.
As we approach the end of the school year, it is especially important that all students attend school on
time and on a regular basis. Our teachers strive to ensure that all students are successful as they sit for the
required exams in the content areas, as well as on our locally developed final exams. These assessments
provide students, parents and teachers information related to student mastery of the New York State
Common Core Learning Standards.
We look forward to continuing our successful school year! As always, if you have questions or concerns
please contact us in the high school office at (315)482-5113 ext. 2 or the elementary office at (315)4825113 ext. 1.
Please let us know if there is anything we can do to support you and your students!
Julie Ludwig-Landy – Secondary Principal
Amy St. Croix – Elementary Principal
ATTENDANCE REMINDERS: If a student is absent fr om school, the
parent should receive a telephone call from the automated system. If you feel
this is an error, please contact the HS Office. Upon their return, it is required
that they present a written and signed excuse for each absence indicating
the reason for absence. A student participating in after school activities,
such as sporting events, musical events, field trips, may not miss more than
two periods of school on the day of the event to be eligible to participate
that day. Exceptions may be made by the building principal, for students
presenting with a doctor’s note. Please keep the following in mind when
turning in a note:

List of Legal/Excused, Illegal/Unexcused Absences:


Legal/Excused: School sponsor ed and/or appr oved classes, tr ips,
assemblies, and other school events. Illness, illness or death in the
family, religious observance, quarantine, required court appearance,
college or school visit, funerals, necessary medical appointments,
and military obligations.
Illegal/Unexcused: Any absence or tar diness without a wr itten
excuse from the parent. Truancy, vacation, family trips and visits,
babysitting, obtaining permits, hair appointments, avoidable medical
appointments, non-school sponsored sporting events, shopping,
missed the bus, etc.
HIGH SCHOOL COMING EVENTS AND TEST DATES
Monday, May 4th
Superintendent’s Day
Thursday, May 7th
NYSSMA In-House Festival
Saturday, May 9th
Prom @ Bonnie Castle 8-11pm
Friday, May 15th
Standards Day
Tuesday, May 19th
Budget Vote/ Grandparents Breakfast
Wednesday, May 20th
Science 8 Performance test
Thursday, May 21st
No School- Memorial Recess
Friday, May 22nd
No School- Memorial Recess
Monday, May 25th
No School- Memorial Day
Tuesday, May 26th
No School- Memorial Recess
Wednesday, May 27th
French I Orals
Thursday, May 28th
Thursday, May 28th
French I Orals
7-12 Chorus Concert- 7pm
Friday, May 29th
French I Orals
Monday, June 1st
Science 8 Written State Test
Tuesday, June 2nd
Tuesday, June 2nd
Common Core Algebra and ELA Testing
Spring Athletic Awards @ 6:30pm
Thursday, June 4th
French III Orals
Wednesday, June 10th
Band and Chorus Concert @ Pavilion- 7pm
Friday, June 12th
Senior Trip Leaves for Boston
Monday, June 15th
Monday, June 15th
Monday, June 15th
Last day of regular classes—grades 7-12
7th and 8th Grade Awards- Time TBD
9th, 10th, 11th Grade Awards- Time TBD
Tuesday, June 16th
Tuesday, June 16th
Regents Testing Begins
Earth Science Lab Practical- AM
Thursday, June 25th
Thursday, June 25tth
Thursday, June 25tth
Senior Awards Ceremony- 9am
High School Graduation Practice- 10am
Senior BBQ- 11:30 am
Saturday, June 27th
High School Graduation – 11am
ELEMENTARY EVENTS AND TEST DATES
Monday, May 4th
Superintendent’s Day
Tuesday, May 9th
Honor Assembly: K-2: 9:00 3-6: 10:00
Tuesday, May 12th
5/6 Chorus Concert – “Earth Day: The Musical!”
Thursday, May 14th
1/2 Chorus Concert –“A Book Is a Magic Carpet!”
Friday, May 15th
Standards Day
Monday, May 18th
Book Fair Begins
Tuesday, May 19th
Budget Vote/ Grandparents Breakfast
Wednesday, May 20th
Science 4 Performance test
Thursday, May 21st
No School- Memorial Recess
Friday, May 22nd
No School- Memorial Recess
Monday, May 25th
No School- Memorial Day
Tuesday, May 26th
No School- Memorial Recess
Wednesday, May 27th
Book Fair Ends
Monday, June 1st
Science 4 Written State Test
Tuesday, June 9th
Upper Canada Village – Grade 5
Thursday, June 11th
Flag Day Ceremony
Friday, June 12th
Farmer Boy Field Days – Grade 4
Thursday, June 18th
Enchanted Forest – Grade 6
Friday, June 19th
Pre – K Graduation
Monday, June 22nd
Kindergarten Graduation
Tuesday, June 23rd
6th Grade Moving-Up Day
Wednesday, June 24th
Last Day for Students
Student Dress Code
All students are expected to give proper attention to personal cleanliness and to dress
appropriately for school and school functions. Students and their parents have the primary responsibility for acceptable student dress and appearance. The following clothing
shall be deemed inappropriate and unacceptable on school grounds, in school vehicles,
and at school functions:
Sexually revealing clothing (such as extremely brief garments, tube tops, net
tops, halter tops)

Fingertip rule for shorts, skirts and dresses

Pants have seams

No cleavage, no midriff skin
 Clothing and jewelry that presents a safety hazard
 Clothing that represents or advocates the use of drugs or alcohol
 Clothing with offensive messages
 Footwear that is a safety hazard
 Underwear that is not completely covered with outer clothing
 Gang-related attire and jewelry
 Hats (in the school building)
 Any clothing or jewelry that is inappropriate for or disruptive of the educational
process.
Students who violate the District’s dress code shall be requested to modify their appearance by replacing, covering and/or removing the offending item.
Please visit our school website at: www.alexandriacentral.org to view:

this newsletter in color (go to: “Quick Links”; click on “ACS Newsletters”)

our sports schedules (go to: “Quick Links”; click on “Sports Schedules”)

our calendar of events (click on: “calendar” or view our Upcoming Events
section)
Students Participate in Business Competition
Senior Economics students Cameron Morgan, Victoria Ciarfella, Talon Parker and Ben Nelson have been selected as finalists in SUNY Jefferson’s “E-Day: Unleashing Ideas –Student Business Concept Competition”.
The student’s plan to build a smart device app- “Tour 101”- that will help prospective undergraduates be
matched with their perfect campuses nationwide and provide virtual tours. Tour 101 won 1st place in
SUNY Jefferson's E-Day competition on April 16, as well as, 1st place in the North Country Regional Business Plan Competition- Information Technology Division at Clarkson University on April 11. Tour 101 will
compete on May 27 at the NY State High School Business Plan Competition in Albany.
Tour 101 is actively seeking mentoring and guidance from business and investment professionals. Please
contact Victoria Ciarfella at [email protected] if you can help!
Also competing in semi-finals were “The Last Resort” entrepreneurs Tristan Thomson, Jarah Papin, Mikaela
Benny and Hannah Lynch. “The Last Resort” will provide bussing transport for patrons of local tourist spots
throughout the summer season. Logan Kring and Stevie Toland were also semi-finalists representing the
Jeff-Lewis BOCES. All students were superb. (submitted by Molly Reilly)
Spelling Champion Dylan O’Connor To Compete in National Bee
(again!)
For the fourth year in a row, Alexandria Central’s eighth grader, Dylan O’Connor will be representing the North Country at the Scripps National Spelling Bee
in Washington, D.C. Dylan earned his spot at the National Spelling Bee by first
winning Alexandria Central’s Bee in February and then the regional bee held at
General Brown in March. At the regional contest, district champions from 25
area schools competed for the right to advance to the National Bee.
Dylan with his prizes at the
Regional Bee
This year is the 88th Scripps National Spelling Bee. Students from around the
nation will compete during the last week of May. The “Bee Week” kicks off
with several qualifying rounds where the spellers will be tested, not only on
their spelling skills, but also on their knowledge of vocabulary. The semi-finals
and finals both take place on May 28 and will be televised on ESPN.
Dylan is excited to be returning to the nation’s capital and is looking forward to
meeting up with friends he has made during the last three competitions. Since
the Bee in not open to students higher than 8th grade, this will be Dylan’s last
year competing. The students and teachers at Alexandria Central will be watching the televised portions and cheering him on. Dylan will be
accompanied by his parents, Michael and Alycia O’Connor,
of Alexandria Bay.
Dylan celebrating his win with
frozen yogurt at Yo-Johnnys
GOOD LUCK DYLAN!!!!
LIBRARY NEWS ~ Mrs. Tidd
Battle of the Books
Teams of 6th grade students
have been preparing since October for a Battle of the Books
Competition scheduled at the
Macsherry Library on May 7th
from 3-5 pm.
They have been reading novels
from a list of 20 preselected titles
and will compete in teams by answering “jeopardy-style” questions about the books. The winning team will compete in the regional book battle in Gouverneur
on May 30th. Good luck teams!
The Battle of the Books is sponsored by the North Country Library System and the local event
has been coordinated by Mrs.
Tidd , School Librarian and Ms.
Ceil Cunningham, Macsherry Library Director. The teams have
been coached by sixth grade
teachers Ms. Rose and Mrs.
McCarthy.
Thousand Islands Book Festival
The Scholastic Book Fair
is coming!
May 18: 8:30am-3:00pm
May 19: 8:00am-8:00pm
*** open during
Grandparents Breakfast and
the School Budget Voting
***
May 20: 8:30am-3:00pm
May 27: 8:30am-1:00pm
Location: Distance Learning
Room—near the Main Office
Sponsored by PACE; profits
benefit the school library
COME AND MEET SOME OF
YOUR FAVORITE
CHILDREN’S AUTHORS
and ENTERTAINERS
Joseph Bruchac Kate Messner
Aaron Stamer Marsha Hayles
Robin Pulver James Preller
Charles R. Smith, Jr.
Vivian Vande Velde
Rachel Guido deVries
Beauty and the Beast Storytellers
Hope Marston Scott Kean
Joseph Orobona
June 6, 2015 9:30 am – 3:30pm
Cape Vincent Elementary School
410 S. Esselstyne Street, Cape Vincent
Admission is FREE.
Books will be available for purchase
and author signing.
Children should be accompanied
by an adult please.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
CALL 654-2480
Finalists in Writing Contest
The top three finalists in the 6th grade division of this year’s Greater Thousand Islands Literacy Council’s
writing contest were all from Alexandria Central! Hailey Hemmingsen (left) was awarded 1st place, Sophia
Williams (center) was awarded 2nd place, and Abigail Wolfe (right) was awarded 3rd place. The girls were
recognized at a Writer’s Reception on April 8 at Case Middle School in Watertown. The annual contest is
open to students in grades K-12 in several school districts. Three winning entries are selected at each
grade level. This year’s writing theme was “Tell Me A Story”. ACS sixth grade teachers, Mrs. McCarthy and
Ms. Rose also attended the reception.
8th Graders Visit BOCES Tech Center
On Thursday, February 5, all 8th grade students from Alexandria
Central School attended a field trip to the Bohlen Technical Center
of BOCES in Watertown, NY. The purpose of the trip was to provide
students with an overview of available programs as well as expand
their thinking in terms of possible career paths. When these students reach 10th grade, they will once again have the opportunity to
visit BOCES in order to determine if they will participate in the programs there as 11th and 12th grade students.
Pictured: Kailee Knight and Takoda MillerDaniels complete a craft activity while visiting the Early Childhood Education program.
National Honor Society Members Recognized
Senior members of the Honor Society were recognized at Watertown High School on March 25th. After
the recognition, students enjoyed dinner at the Olive Garden with Mrs. Bresnahan, Honor Society Advisor,
and Mrs. Ludwig-Landy, High School Principal.
Cameron Morgan, Hannah Lynch, Molly Aznoe, Kira Hollinger, Jarah Papin, Makaela Benny
Brianna Parrow, Katie Markert, Emily Cullen, Sadie
Moran, Ben Nelson, Mrs. Julie Ludwig-Landy
2ND Grade ARTIST NEWS
Ms. Silva
Second grade artists learned
about Andy Warhol and the POP
ART movement. We learned
about realistic, primary, secondary and complementary colors.
Second grade spent weeks working on their artwork to be displayed as a collaborative project
as well as their own pop art designs. Other elementary students who use the MPR room
were encouraged to “WRITE A
POST” on the Andy Warhol Facebook page.
THE GHOST GAZETTE
Check out our Web site!
It’s under “Quick Links” on the school homepage.
You can also find our stories in the Thousand Islands Sun.
In this issue of The Ghost Gazette you can find:
Girls Hockey Frozen Four
Musician, artist, and vocalist of the month
Winter Carnival
Interviews with Mr. Bastian and Mr. McCarthy
Modified Boys Basketball Athlete: Colby Burrows
Modified Girls Basketball Athlete: Hannah Weller
Hearts for Youth
The Littles: Cameron Ventiquattro and Sawyer Patraw
Claim and Counterclaim: video games
Original ACS Poetry
Hearts for Youth News
Maybe some of you don’t really know who Hearts for Youth is! Hearts for Youth is a grassroots organization that
developed in 1999 that is dedicated to providing opportunities, services, and support, so youth in our community
will become healthy, educated, respectful, and productive citizens. We operate under the direction of the InterMunicipal Agreement between the Town of Alexandria, Village of Alexandria Bay, and the Alexandria Central
School. Our Program Director and Executive Director work out of an office at the school. They work with a Youth
Board made up of students to organize and plan activities and events and keep our programs running.
Hearts for Youth strives to meet the needs of all local youth in the Thousand Island Region particularly those
from Alexandria Bay, Redwood, and Plessis areas and students in the Alexandria Bay School District. We serve
children of all ages; Pre-K to 12th grade. We strive to keep all our children, at-risk or not motivated and achieving
at their full potential by engaging them in productive, healthy programs and activities.
HFY hosts and oversees 19 different seasonal and year-round programs geared toward meeting all local youth’s
academic, recreational, social, physical and interpersonal needs. Our permanent programs are Job Shadowing,
Mentoring, Scholarship, Youth Board, SHOV, Jr. SHOV, Jr. Movies, Community Service Participation in collaborating with other organizations. Our summer recreational programs include: baseball/softball, basketball, golf,
kayaking, soccer, swimming, t-ball, and tennis.
Our two most significant structural developments have been coming under the oversight of the Town and Village
and establishing an office at Alexandria Central School. This May we are planning a Community Carnival for the
community. Our students in Hearts for Youth and students from the 9th grade class are assisting us in making this
a great family fun event. This will be on Memorial Day, May 25th, from 11:30-3:30pm after the Memorial Day Parade. This will be held at the Alexandria Bay Ice Arena.
Please check us out on our website www.heartsforyouth.org and follow us on Twitter. Please feel free to call the
office with any ideas or if you would like to volunteer for any of our events/activities. You can also email us at
[email protected]. You can reach us by phone at 482-9971 ext. 2130. We will look forward to talking to
you.
FFA News ~ Mr. Campany
The Alex Bay FFA has been going strong. We had a great weekend at the FFA Leadership Camp on March 2022. A total of 42 members and 20 alumni/guests took part in the weekend. The weekend was made up of group
dynamics, outdoor recreation, leadership development, and environmental education. It was truly a winter weekend with lots of snow, cold weather, and winter fun.
Attending were: Wesley Burgos, Sam Felicia, Rachel Hunneyman, Shawn Mason, Hayley Neuroth, Kelsey Cullen,
Emily Davis, Matt Ford, Erina Haddock, Colby Herrington, Mackenzie Hyde, Tegan Lambert, Dylan Matice, Talia Parker, Tatum
Perry, Alex DeLavergne, Gage Goerger, Alex Hansson, Madison Hazelton, Jacob Hunneyman, Rachelle Johnson, Serenity Neuroth, Hannah Side, John Slate, Victor Wallace, Garrett Wardell, Brandon Davis, Ashley Hunneyman, Jordan Felicia, Thomas Haddock, Zach Patterson, Cody Stephenson, Alex Swanson, Kaleb Weller, Maddy Cullen, Emily Massa, Jose Meza, Nisa Rivera, Trenton Service, and Dean Swanson
Adults: Cassie Baker, Terry Brennan, Bob Calhoun, Sara Calhoun, Rachael Calhoun, Zach
Calhoun, Sean Catlin, Cierra Daily, Dustin Frost, Tyler Frost, Scott Gleason, Rob Matice, Gerri Newberry, Ellie Oppermann,
George Oppermann, Walt Oppermann, Phil O'Neil, Mike Stephenson, and Dan Winters.
Alex Hansson competed in the Sub-states FFA Leadership Speaking Contest at VVS High School on March 21 and placed 6th in
her flight.
The Chapter is currently doing their annual Arbor Day program. The Blue Spruce seedlings have been distributed. The members
held a program for the 6th graders on April 24.
Ten members competed at the Jefferson County Envirothon competition which was held at the Jefferson County Zoo on April 22.
Competing were: Brandon Davis, Jordan Felicia, Thomas Haddock, Jacob Hunneyman, Zach Patterson, Trenton Service, Alex
Swanson, Dean Swanson, Victor Wallace, and Garrett Wardell.
The Environmental Science class enjoyed our trip back to Cranberry Creek for our monthly water quality data collection. We took
January and February off due to weather conditions.
In the Ag room, we have added some baby chicks to the animal listing and are currently trying our luck at hatching some chicken eggs.
Arbor Day
Victor Working on Envirothon Prep
Winter Weekend Group
Stream Watching
ACS Spring Time MUSIC EVENTS!!
COMING SOON to the ACS Stage…. It’s Spring Concert time!
Whether you have a little one in Kindergarten or graduating from High School, all the music events coming up
this spring are listed here for your convenience! Hope to see you there enjoying your child’s talents!
Friday, April 17th = NYSSMA festival at Carthage High School
(all students involved have been contacted with their times!)
Saturday, April 18th at 7:00pm = POPS Concert – Select Choir hosting!
Thursday, April 30th at 7:00pm = ACS 3rd & 4th grades present “Ear th Day:
The Musical!”
Thursday, May 7th = NYSSMA In-House Festival at ACS during
the school day (all participants have been contacted)
Tuesday, May 12th at 7:00pm= ACS 5th & 6th Grade Chorus presents
“The Best Little Theatre in Town!” Ensemble will perform, as well!
Thursday, May 14th at 6:30pm = ACS 1st and 2nd Grades present
their musical, “A Book Is a Magic Carpet!”
Thursday, May 28th at 7:00pm = ACS grade 7 – 12 Choral Concer t with
Select Choir, Concert Choir & MeloManiacs!
Wednesday, June 10th at 6:00pm = Concert in the Park at the Pavilion
by the River! This includes SELECTED performers by Mrs. Taylor
and Mr. Hammond and they will be notified.
Count on Select Choir, Marching Band, MeloManiacs and Ensemble. All other
performers (solos, small groups) are by invite!
Other dates where Mrs. Taylor will be playing some
music with students:
June 22nd = Kindergarten Graduation
June 23rd = 6th Grade Moving Up Day
June 24th = Baccalaureate for Seniors
June 27th = ACS High School Graduation
Another AWESOME musical season here at ACS! ~ Mrs. Taylor, Vocal Music
The curtain has closed for Shrek at Alexandria Central, but the compliments and rave reviews have been non-stop
since their closing on March 14th. The music department would like to send a special thank you to our incredible
team that made the show such a success! First and foremost - THANK YOU to Mike & Mary Witt, our dedicated set
design team! We could never do it without you! Jim Stine stepped up as Mike's partner in crime, and they knocked it
out of the PARK!! Cindy Nelson took charge of costumes this year with help from Betse Murphy, Missy Gorman, Mary
Stine, Gay Millett, & Elaine Goerger! Tricia Aitcheson took over ticket sales, selling 1600+ seats for our 4 shows! Melina Kilpatrick was fantastic with her face painting, and our hair/makeup helpers, Amanda Burrows, Tracey Duclon,
Hillary Wolfe (and more) were awesome! Our ACS Art teachers Kylie Hebert and Ann Donovan helped make our
dragon, dragon's lair & Farquaad's horse come to life! Thank you to ALLLL our amazing stage moms and dads for
helping with tickets, programs, meals, set up, tear down, costume & prop help, and SO much more! Thank you to
ACS staff for acting as chaperones, for coming to support our kids, and to our custodial staff for always being there
to help! Thank you to all those who were sponsors in our program! It ALL helps us in more ways than you know! It
truly "takes a village," and Alexandria Bay surely came through for us!!! If you didn't see the show, ask anyone who
came... It was pretty special! Our kids at ACS are SO talented!!! Kudos to our lead cast Kyle Gorman (Shrek), Molly
Aznoe (Fiona), Zach Patterson (Donkey), Gavin Taylor (Lord Farquaad), Olivia Stine (Pinocchio), Emma Kearns
(Gingy), and all the supporting cast and ensemble- you were all incredible!! Congrats to seniors Molly Aznoe, Cameron Morgan, and Kira Hollinger on a fabulous final show!!! Don't miss coming to see ACS's spring musical next year!
Les Miserables, anyone?
ACS HOSTS COACHES VS CANCER NIGHT
On January 23, varsity basketball teams from Alexandria Central and LaFargeville competed and raised over $2,000 for the Coaches vs. Cancer Fund.
Varsity Girls:
Back Row: Hannah Heisler, Nisa Rivera, Kendall Klock, Sydney LaLonde, Kayla Morgan, Julia Desormeau, Caitlyn Burrows, Emma Kearns, Morgan Weaver, Jordan Nuffer, Callie Rapant
Front Row: Logan Labiendo, Kadeda Cappuccetti Victoria Boice, Cassidy Daily, Mikayla Peters,
Hannah Lynch, Allison Hoover
Varsity Boys:
Back Row: Colton Klock, Thomas O'Driscoll, Matt Valin, Andrew Gray, Austin Davis, Seth Hoover,
Justin Robbins, Max Menkel
Middle Row: Coach Jay Shimel, Andrew Leek, Dan Leek, Luke DeMarse, Brandon Nutting, Tyler
Ayen, Ben Nelson, Mason Davis, Zach Imdad
Front Row: Troy Hattori, Devon Chapman, Colton Denny, Ryan Tebo, Parker Garlock, Daniel Hull
School Counseling News: April 2015
Submitted by Kevin Durr, School Counselor
Scholarships for the Class of 2015
Please visit our webpage www.alexandriacentral.org for important information and scholarship listings! In addition to being on
our announcements, being publicized in class, and mentioned in our newsletter, all scholarships are available to download from
my webpage in the Scholarship Application Download Area! Please contact me at 482-9971 extension 3070 if you do not have
internet access and would like to know the most recent scholarships available.
The following Scholarships are available at this time:
ACFA Scholarship
Alexandria Central Faculty Association Scholarship. Due June 1.
Alexandria Bay Rotary Club Scholarship
$1000 Scholarship for a senior who has demonstrated community service. Essay required.
Due June 6.
Alliance with the Medical Society of Jefferson County
Scholarship for any student entering a medical field. Must have an 85% average or higher, financial need, and compose a
personal essay. Due April 20, 2015
David H Aitcheson Memorial Scholarship for Science/Education
Scholarship given annually to students who are pursuing a career in science and/or education. Due May 31.
Dr. Vuolo Memorial Scholarship
Scholarship for a student who is a natural or adopted descendant of a NYS Legionnaire and is attending college or vocational training after high school. Scholarship is for $1000. Due May 1.
Higher Standards Entrepreneurial Scholarship
For a student who is planning to open their own business - must write out a business plan. Due May 30.
Imdad Diversity Appreciation Scholarship
Scholarship for a senior who has shown appreciation for ethnic and religious diversity - student must submit an essay of no
more than one page describing an event or person that changed their worldviews and give an example of a situation where
they were kind to another person whose views were different than their own. $500 Cash scholarship. Due June 1.
Little Theatre of Watertown Scholarship
Scholarship for students entering college with a major or minor in the performing arts. Due April 30.
Masonic Lodge Scholarship
Masonic Lodge Scholarship, preference given to students who have a relative that is a member. Due May 31.
Miracle On The River Scholarship
Miracle On The River Scholarship sponsored by River Hospital for any student entering a medical profession. Due May 30.
NNYYSL Scholarship
Scholarship for students who have an 85% or higher average and played soccer for three years. Must also describe how the
soccer program was influenced by your participation. Application due May 1.
Northern NY Builder's Exchange Scholarship
Scholarships for students who are entering a construction-related major: Engineering, Management, etc. Student must write
an essay on future plans, objectives and or/employment in the construction or related industry. Due May 15.
RiverEdge Scholarship
RiverEdge Scholarship for a student going into the business/hospitality field. Due May 31.
SHOV (Students Hooked On Values) Scholarship
This scholarship is given annually to students who have demonstrated involvement in community service. Application is due
at the end of May.
(continued)
School Counseling News (continued)
Society of Military Engineers Scholarship
Scholarship for any student pursuing an area of engineering, architecture, construction management or related field.
Application must be postmarked by May 8.
Thousand Islands Foundation Scholarship
Scholarship for any student who lives in the Thousand Islands Region - application is due May 15.
FAFSA – Need Help?
A reminder that all students and parents must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Please contact Mr.
Durr if you need any assistance with the FAFSA and set up an appointment - this can be done during the school day or immediately after school.
JUNIORS - College Admission Exams:
Reminder: all Juniors who are interested in attending a 4-year college should take a college admissions exam (SAT or SAT). Juniors should take these exams this spring. The registration deadline is May 8th for the June SAT and ACT exams. Two-year colleges recommend that students take one of these exams, but they are not required for acceptance. This includes taking either the
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or the American College test (ACT). Students may register online at www.collegeboard.com for
the SAT, or www.actstudent.org for the ACT. The test dates and deadlines to register for these exams are available on the SAT
and ACT websites.
Important Information for Parents
On March 18, 2015, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) issued a nationwide alert on Fentanyl as a threat to health and public safety. Fentanyl is a prescription narcotic
medication. It is commonly laced in heroin, which is a concern due to the recent rise in heroin
use. There are several recent examples of the Fentanyl surge across the country:
 New Hampshire State Laboratory recently reported four Fentanyl overdoses within a two
month period.
 New Jersey saw a huge spike in Fentanyl deaths in 2014, reporting as many as 80 in the
first six months of the fiscal year.
 Rhode Island and Pennsylvania have also seen huge increases in Fentanyl use since
2013. In a 15 month period, 200 deaths were reported in Pennsylvania related to Fentanyl.
 In June 2014, DEA New York dismantled a heroin and Fentanyl network and arrested the
two heads of the organization. These individuals were linked to at least three overdose
deaths from the heroin and Fentanyl they sold.
In light of our school’s commitment to having conversations with parents and community members about the potential dangers of drug and alcohol use in youth, we feel it is important to share
important information with you when we receive it. For more information about the DEA Alert,
visit http://www.dea.gov/divisions/hq/2015/hq031815.shtml.
Stem Grant Article by: Paul Jivoff - Office of Professional Research and Development, Syracuse University
On December 4, 2014, thirty-nine students presented a brief history of their recent work at the Alexandria Central Elementary School for parents, teachers, administrators, community members and other students. Alexandria Central School District (ACS) has been the beneficiary of a three-year
grant from the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA), a field activity of the Office of the Secretary of Defense, to improve the quality of
STEAM education for schools and communities where significant military-connected students live and learn. The students assembled to highlight recent
accomplishments made possible by the introduction of new learning methods and technologies through the DoDEA grant.
ACS was chosen to receive the grant support in part because of the district’s unique economic situation. The Village of Alexandria Bay is located
in Jefferson County on the St. Lawrence River in the heart of the 1000 Islands region of New York State. During the warmer months of the year, it is a
bustling tourist and water sports destination and home for many people with prime real estate on islands or along the banks of the river. During the cold off
-season, many of the village’s restaurants and shops close and only the year-round residents remain. Because a portion of property values are so high,
the New York State Aid distributed through regional BOCES programs is lower than others, making investments in technological infrastructure more difficult. This DoDEA grant has helped ACS keep up with the technological times in spite of that blow to necessary educational aid.
Along with a revitalized focus on the STEAM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math), the teachers and students have shifted
their approach to education from a lecture model to a collaborative learning model. The new technologies provided by the grant, specifically iPads, Chrome
Carts (mobile laptop charging and storage stations), smart boards and improved Wi-Fi connectivity help students work collaboratively with guidance and
training from the STEM coach funded by the grant, Mary Ellen Shevalier. Ms. Shevalier, a retired art teacher, hosted the student presentation titled “I am We are… STEAMing ahead.” After a brief introduction, Ms. Shevalier turned the presentation over to the students. One grade at a time, groups of students
representing grades 3 through 8 stepped from their seats onto risers facing the crowd and flanking a projection screen positioned at the edge of the stage
in the small auditorium. A few strings of white lights and some poinsettias lined the edge of the stage, but the focus was clearly the students, not an elaborate backdrop. Karoline Nelson, a well-spoken and engaging 10th grader actively pursuing journalism in her community, took over the Master of Ceremonies role from Ms. Shevalier. Ms. Nelson guided the audience through videos of the students’ work and their well-rehearsed explanations of their latest
accomplishments.
The videos incorporated in the presentation were all shot using the new grant-purchased iPads. The final presentation took a few weeks to complete. The third through eighth grade students created more than four hours of video presentations with iMovie, and Ms. Shevalier edited that material to fit
into a one-hour presentation. Some footage documented the classroom dynamics as students worked together to tackle projects with minimal direction
from their teacher. Other footage was pulled straight from students’ in-class assignments they had completed in video format. In one especially compelling
project, a class of sixth-graders had written, acted and filmed a mock trial based on characters in the novel Red Kayak by Priscilla Cummings. After viewing the trial and hearing arguments from both sides’ lawyers and statements from the defendants, the other students deliberated as a jury, deciding who
was guilty and what punishment fit the crime.
In every video of the students’ classroom work, the students worked in teams, usually around one or more iPads. “Our main focus has been the
integration of technology,” said Secondary Principal Mrs. Julie Ludwig-Landy. She recommended Ms. Shevalier for the STEM Coach position in part because of Ms. Shevalier’s technological expertise. Ms. Shevalier has helped the teachers integrate the new devices into their classrooms in practical ways.
She also taught them to work in teams, so they could model teaming for the students.
The students gave their presentation twice, once in the afternoon to an assembly of their teachers and peers, and once in the evening to family
members and interested community members. More than forty-five people attended the evening session to learn what impact the new technology and
teaching methods were making on the students. Mrs. Ludwig-Landy took the attendance as a positive sign, saying the previous record for attendance at
academic meetings during her tenure at the school had been twenty-six.
The impact made by the recent changes to teaching methods and tools in the district is apparent to many of the faculty and administrators. Notably, the students have adopted the new technologies and the collaborative learning style for themselves. They no longer need to be told how to form their
groups or tackle a task as a team. “I hear, ‘We can do this without you’ from students a lot,” Mrs. Julie Ludwig-Landy said. The students tell her “We think
we can be successful without you modeling.” The students learned to work collaboratively by seeing their teachers work together as members of a group
each with specific roles to fill. “We’ve seen such a positive climate change with teachers. They are learning right along with the kids,” said Superintendent
Mr. Kyle Faulkner. He added he has observed increased levels of cooperation and respect among the students since they adopted the collaborative learning style fostered by Ms. Shevalier.
Teaming has encouraged and allowed students to develop 21st Century skills and find the niche best-suited to their individual personalities.
“There are kids that have been very quiet that can be team members now. There are kids who are more social who have gravitated to the leadership
roles,” said Mrs. Julie Ludwig-Landy. That personalization is an intentional part of the teaming training the students and teachers received. Shevalier said
she asks group members “What are you strong at and what do you want to contribute based on this proposal?” as part of the process of forming teams
into their ideal configurations.
Sixth-grade teacher Nicole Rose said she is on board with the new developments in ACS and believes her fellow teachers are, too. She said her
students are engaging one another so much more now with the teaming strategies they’ve learned than they used to under the lecture model. Mrs. Julie
Ludwig-Landy said many teachers are shaping their classrooms around that new learning experience. “Now my entire junior high wants tables, not desks,”
said Mrs. Julie Ludwig-Landy. “This is just how we do business now.”
More positive changes are still to come for ACS. The district managed the grant monies efficiently, and has a chunk left with which to shore up
its old technological infrastructure. Smart boards, new internet switches to regulate and provide a steady stream of internet bandwidth and Wi-Fi routers
are among those planned improvements. Superintendent Faulkner said, “We’re completely pumped up and psyched about what the new technology is
going to do for the district.” He said he hopes a strong technology foundation will help the district foster an environment where students can do their best
work.
The STEM grant from DoDEA is on track to make lasting change in the ACS district. According to Shevalier, “Our goal is to make this something
sustainable,” and the students, administrators and teachers have made that goal a reality. “We love it,” Rose said of the district’s efforts to embrace teaming and new technologies in the classroom. “It is moving forward, and that’s what we’re all about. We see it’s working, and if it’s working, then we need to
carry it out. That’s the wave of the future.”