DECEMBER 2017 The comedy of Donkey showed the ironies of Shrek’s thoughts and feelings all while providing laughter and showing the true meaning of friendship.
Once again, Union Springs Middle School produced an outstanding musical performance showcasing an excellent storyline along with just some of the young talent in the district. The musical followed the adventures of an ogre named Shrek (Ava Dennis) who set off on a journey with a faithful companion, Donkey (Hailee Smith), to save a feisty princess named Fiona (Erin DeGraw) from a ferocious dragon (Ella Johnson).
The ironically short Lord Farquaad (Steven Hrycko) was the antagonist, and he showed that while bullies come in all sizes, they too, have secrets that make them feel small. Through colorful songs and witty dialogue, the cast did a beautiful job of teaching the audience about self-acceptance. “While Shrek JR. seems like a simple, childhood story, it is full of lessons and morals for every generation.” - Jennifer Gordon, Director
With the help of his misfit friends, all of whom also had oddities that were considered to be socially unacceptable, Shrek learned how to believe in himself, open his heart to others, and let his “Freak Flag” fly.
Photos by Glenn Gaston www.glenngaston.com
UNION SPRINGS CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | SPRINGBOARD
SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE
@UnionSpringsCSD
As I write this, contractors are working to renovate A.J. Smith Elementary. Ground has been broken on the new wing of the building, and the interior is being cleared of old sheetrock, ceiling tiles, and insulation so that as winter comes, work can begin in earnest on the plumbing, heating, and electrical systems in the building.
well as Saturday mornings. Membership is $50 per individual or $75 for a family, and forms are available online, in the district office, and at the fitness center itself.
Senator Pam Helming has helped us this fall to secure some additional aid for the project in the amount of $7,500, which will help improve the playground and student activity space at the school once the project is complete. She has been a good advocate for our school district in helping us move our project along at the State Education Department as well. We are very grateful for her work and efforts on our district’s behalf. Further, our online auction of surplus goods, along with our participation in the Route 90 Garage Sale this past summer, has generated over $10,000 in additional revenue for our district. We are very fortunate that some of our older items have found use in new settings and that we did not have to pay to dispose or store them. Thank you to the community for helping to support the auction and garage sale. These additional funds will also go to offset some of the needs of the project as it gets closer to completion. This fall has also been busy with the opening of our new fitness center, thanks to the overwhelming generosity of a community member. Many of our students use the space daily, and the facility is open to the public on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings, as
Additionally, we have completed our student 1:1 computing initiative. Every student in our district now has access to a modern technological device to use when they are engaged in their academic pursuits. We are pleased to be able to provide this opportunity for our students with your support. Students are appreciative of the access to technology, and our teachers are working diligently to ensure that they are put to good use. I hope many of you got the chance to attend our sporting events this fall. Our teams played well, and our students demonstrated good sportsmanship and grew in their leadership. I also hope you got to see the Middle School musical, Shrek Jr. The play was very well done and displayed the tremendous talent of our students. My sincere thanks to all the parents, volunteers, supporters, and Mrs. Gordon for all of their work to make the show one of our best ones yet! It remains my great privilege to serve the students of our district. This district is working hard every day to emerge as a regional leader in educational excellence, and with your continued support and help, I know that our students’ and district’s potential will be realized. Educationally Yours, Jarett S. Powers, Ed.D. Superintdent of Schools
Girl Scouts from Troop 40229 donated two picnic tables to the district at a board meeting early this fall. They made the table as a community project for their Silver Awards. The girls felt that students needed a place to sit while waiting for their school buses.
Thank you!
(L to R): Adrianna Schwartz, Kailey Forbes, Catherine Gilmore
Union Springs Central School District | 239 Cayuga Street | (315) 889-4101 | www.unionspringscsd.org
DECEMBER 2017
HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE The high school is off to a great start this year! Homecoming week in late September was outstanding. We had nearly 250 students attend the homecoming dance, making it the largest turnout we have seen in the past decade. October brought in the National Honor Society inductions; 12 new members were welcomed at the ceremony. Ms. Haag, who retired at the end of last school year, returned to the ceremony to present a reflective and inspiring message aimed at community service, leadership, and responsibility. The fall sports season was once again successful as student athletes continually improved their play, learned from their competitions, and are poised to
@UnionSpringsHS
take on the challenges next year will bring. Many of our athletic teams made it to sectional play including cross country, Boys and Girls Varsity Soccer, football, and Girls Varsity Volleyball. As a school community, we have certainly enjoyed watching our student athletes compete during the 2017 fall season. December is a very busy month with concerts, basketball games, the Senior Citizen Luncheon, and the fervor of the holiday season. Please check the school calendar and our athletics website for specific event dates and times. Enjoy the holiday season, and as always, we truly appreciate your continued support! Sincerely, Chuck Walker High School Principal (315) 889-4110
CONGRATULATIONS, NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY MEMBERS! On October 25, 2017, 12 juniors were inducted into the Aquilifer Chapter of the National Honor Society. New inductees included Mark Antonik, Kyle Bailey, Rachel Culver, Carrie DeGraw, Emma Lutkins, Zach Nickerson, Chloe Pratt, Katlyn Pratt, Krista Reohr, Macy Salico, Shannon Sierzenga, and Telona White. Membership in this organization is based on the qualities of scholarship, leadership, character, and service. Throughout the school year, NHS members volunteer their time to various school and community projects. In addition, each member is required to complete a minimum of twenty-five hours of community service. Front Row (L to R): Lillian Greer, Gabrielle Greer, Madison Sochan, Amanda Daum, Sierra Clark, Zahra Vaughn, Amanda Pacelli, Gracie Groesbeck, Joan Hodges, Gwendolyn Leaf, Zada Seitz, Hannah Bedell Middle (L to R): Rachel Culver, Carrie DeGraw Back Row (L to R): Kathryn Graham, Mark Antonik, Krista Reohr, Emma Lutkins, Macy Salico, Shannon Sierzenga, Telona White, Zach Nickerson, Chloe Pratt, Kyle Bailey, Katlyn Pratt, Gregory Baumes Missing: Jakob Dillon, Ashleigh Hinman, Alexandra Tucker, Hannah Yorkey
Union Springs Central School District | 239 Cayuga Street | (315) 889-4101 | www.unionspringscsd.org
UNION SPRINGS CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | SPRINGBOARD
MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE It is amazing to think that the first ten week marking period is already in the books! Our new and returning students are doing a nice job becoming acclimated. The transition for our students from A.J. Smith to the middle school has been a success. I appreciate the feedback and questions from folks during our first marking period and encourage you to contact me as the year progresses so that we can continue to improve our program for your children. As the school year moves ahead, I continue to stress the importance of keeping up with school assignments and getting help when needed. The middle school has multiple ways for your child to get support through academic labs, inquiry labs, after school time, 3-5 time, and individual interventions. I encourage parents and guardians to be actively engaged in your child’s education and communicate with us regarding any questions you have or requests for additional supports. Parent-teacher conferences were a great opportunity to meet with folks, review progress, and plan for the rest of the year. If you were unable to attend, please contact Marty Mills in the Middle School Office if you wish to schedule a meeting. Our new School Counselor, Mrs. Julie DeWolf, began at Union Springs Middle School in November. Mrs. DeWolf brings a great deal of experience to the position and is off to a great start!
@UnionSpringsMS
The winter sports season is upon us, and our modified teams are playing home games at the CayugaOnondaga BOCES campus. I encourage you to come out and see a game when you have a chance. Our kids and the coaches are working hard to have a successful season! Winter also brings with it our holiday concert season. This year, 5/6 Chorus and 5/6 Band will host their concerts on the same evening. 7/8 Chorus will perform on the same night as the High School Chorus and 7/8 Band will play on the same night as the High School Band. Aside from these events, we continue to offer multiple clubs for students to get involved in. If your child has not yet found something in the middle school that strikes their interest or they are looking for more activities, I encourage them to come and see Mrs. DeWolf or myself. Getting involved in schoolrelated activities is a great way to build confidence and improve your school experience! Throughout the next several months, the middle school will be scheduling field trips and student showcases. As these events come together, I will send home information with the details. Respectfully, Michael Wurster Middle School Principal (315) 889-4112
CONGRATULATIONS, NJHS MEMBERS! The National Junior Honor Society inducted new members on October 19, 2017. Throughout the year, members will organize a number of community service projects as well as individual projects. Front Row (L to R): Madison Gannon, Kelsey Albino, Mia Fedor, Olivia Koffler, Greta Anderson Back Row (L to R): Hailey Short, Hannah Morehouse, Evan Miner, Steven Hrycko, Sarah Morehouse, Abby Jackson, David Morehouse
Union Springs Central School District | 239 Cayuga Street | (315) 889-4101 | www.unionspringscsd.org
DECEMBER 2017
CAYUGA ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE The school year is off to a great start! We are pleased to have fourth grade students and staff with us this year. Each individual adds a positive touch to the overall environment here at Cayuga. Through the use of our digital devices and day-to-day curriculum, Cayuga Elementary remains committed to the goal that all third grade students will read at or above grade level by the end of third grade. Our fall was very eventful with Fire Prevention Day, our annual PTO Walk-a-thon, parent visitations, and much more! Thank you to the volunteers from each of our neighboring fire departments for showing the students how to remain safe during unsafe times. Our annual PTO Walk-a-thon turned into an indoor walka-thon with the weather turning on us and forcing us to walk inside the building to achieve our goal. Parent visitation day was a huge success, as parents and grandparents joined us for a portion of the day, enjoying lunch and an ELA or math lesson. As we look ahead, we see the signs of colder weather on the way, holiday concerts in the future, and a continued commitment to teaching and learning. We ask that you continue to support each student with a commitment to daily work at home to enhance the classroom work afforded to them each day. Together we can make great things happen for all of our elementary students! Remember to keep up-to-date on district and building events by following us on the district website at www. unionspringscsd.org or on twitter @UnionSpringsCSD and @UnionSpringsCay. From all of us to all of you, we wish you a very safe and happy holiday season! Sincerely, Sheila LaDouce Principal of Special Programs (315) 889-4170
@UnionSpringsCay
FIRE PREVENTION DAY
HALLOWEEN PARADE
PRE-K & KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION If you have a child who is eligible to attend preschool (4 years old by Dec. 1, 2018) or kindergarten (5 years old by Dec. 1, 2018) in the 2018-2019 school year, please let us know!
Contact:
Penny Ross at (315) 889-4170 or by email at pross@unionspringscsd.org.
Union Springs Central School District | 239 Cayuga Street | (315) 889-4101 | www.unionspringscsd.org
UNION SPRINGS CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | SPRINGBOARD
ATHLETICS
@USCSD_Wolves
This season was a very exciting one for both the Union Springs teams and the teams that are merged with Port Byron. It got off to a fast start before school even started with the Varsity Football team playing at the Carrier Dome and winning a convincing game over Phoenix.
Our Varsity and JV volleyball teams had a season unlike any other in recent memory. The JV team won their third division title in four years with an impressive 11-3 record. They also won the Haverling Volleyball tournament along the way. The Varsity team followed suit this year by winning their first IAC Division Championship in 29 years! They also won the Haverling tournament and hosted and won an opening round sectional game before eventually falling out of the tournament in the quarterfinals.
Both of our Varsity Soccer teams’ seasons also got off to an exciting start as we hosted our annual Jim Cufari Kickoff Classic Soccer Tournament. Part of the tournament was contested under the lights with the boys’ team winning their second consecutive tournament.
Our cross country teams hosted at Port Byron had fantastic seasons as well. The boys’ team not only won the regular season league championship with an undefeated record, but they also won the league invitational at the end of the season.
GO WOLVES!
There were many impressive individual performances, with members from every team receiving individual league honors. Ashleigh Hinman was not only a first team All-League selection, but also named the MVP of our Division. Also, Alex Tucker, along with Ashleigh, were recognized by ESPN Ithaca as Athletes of the Week.
ATHLETES OF THE WEEK
ALEX TUCKER
ASHLEIGH HINMAN
Todd Salls Athletic Coordinator (315) 889-4136
Union Springs Central School District | 239 Cayuga Street | (315) 889-4101 | www.unionspringscsd.org
DECEMBER 2017
FALL ALL-COUNTY FESTIVAL: HS CHORUS & MS BAND In November, eight Union Springs High School chorus students and six Union Springs Middle School band students were selected to perform in the Fall All-County Music Festival at Port Byron High School. Congratulations!
All-County High School Chorus
All-County Middle School Band
(L to R): Macy Salico, Adam Finn, Madison Sochan, Flynn Anderson, Hannah Thurston, Josh McKay, Emma DeGroff, Emma Lutkins
(L to R): Sarah Morehouse, David Morehouse, Olivia Koffler, Cameron Dennis, Molly Yorkey, Hannah Morehouse
BOOSTER CLUB
The Union Springs Booster Club is making amazing strides this year to grow along with the district we are so proud to be a part of. We are actively working to make our club more open to all parents and volunteers by making it easier for you to volunteer your time to help all of our school athletes! Please sign up to volunteer for the Concession Stand! Here's how it works in 3 easy steps: 1. Visit this link to go to our invitation page on SignUp.com: http://signup.com/login/ entry/286986329189468023 2. Enter your email address: (You will NOT need to register an account on SignUp.com) 3. Sign up! Choose your spots - SignUp.com will send you an automated confirmation and reminders. Easy! The Booster Club strives to provide support and raise funds that help the MS/HS music, art, academic, and athletic programs. Meetings are once a month at the high school. If you are interested in joining, contact the main office of your child’s school, or email Casi Head at usboosterclub@gmail.com.
FITNESS CENTER NEW! HOURS OF OPERATION: WHO:
DAYS:
TIMES:
STUDENTS:
M/W/TH
3-5 PM
COACHES/TEAMS:
T&F
3-5 PM
COMMUNITY, ADULTS, & STAFF:
M/W/TH & SAT
*5-8 PM 8-11 AM
*The fitness center is reserved for adults only between the hours of 6-8pm.
it's
notANNUAL
about how bad you
MEMBERSHIP RATES it...
want INDIVIDUAL: $50
HARD WORK you're willing to it's about howFAMILY: $75
To download a membership application, visit the fitness center page at www.unionspringscsd.org/athletics for it
Union Springs Central School District | 239 Cayuga Street | (315) 889-4101 | www.unionspringscsd.org
UNION SPRINGS CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | SPRINGBOARD
UNION SPRINGS PTO The Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is a formal organization that consists of parents, teachers and school staff within the district. The PTO's mission is to promote open communication and understanding between parents and staff in the district. Its efforts serve to enhance and maximize the education of every child while aiding them in achieving their highest potential. The PTO sponsors assistance to teachers in the classroom setting, holds fundraisers for supplemental educational materials and experiences, supports school and family social interaction, and provides a non-biased forum for sharing information on issues that impact children in the district.
BOARD DEMONSTRATIONS At the regular Board of Education meetings in October, board members received fun and engaging math lessons from third, fourth, and fifth grade students. Third and fourth grade students from Cayuga demonstrated two math programs, Imagine Math and Big Brainz, at the first board meeting in October. Nine students, including Finleigh Biter, Stephen Case, Michael Culver, Jennifer Daum, Anna McKay, Matthew Norton, Amelia Schwarting, Rocco Testa, and Abby Tracey, began the meeting by demonstrating how to use the applications, and then they turned their devices over to the board members to test their skills.
PTO Officers: Meagan Kalet, Co-President Kathy Kozub, Co-President Denise Lawton, Secretary Meghan Biter, Treasurer Contact the PTO at unionspringspto@gmail.com. Fifth graders from the middle school including Alexandra Batruch, Kate Besner, Ainsley Francis-Biter, Ty Gardner, and their teacher, Christine Markham, presented a GoMath lesson on their electronic devices at the second board meeting in October..
The board members were very impressed with the demonstrations at each meeting, as well as with the students’ vast knowledge of the curriculum and their ability to navigate the applications on the electronic devices. All students in the district have personal electronic learning devices to use in the classroom to enhance their classroom instruction. Students pick up their devices each morning to use for the day, and then they drop them off at the end of each day.
Union Springs Central School District | 239 Cayuga Street | (315) 889-4101 | www.unionspringscsd.org
DECEMBER 2017
Tuesday, December 19 at the Middle School / High School
Refreshments will be served in the library beginning at 12:00 p.m. followed by a special musical performance by our students, and then lunch will be served.
All senior citizens in the district are welcome to join us!
SYRACUSE CRUNCH NIGHT! On December 30, some of our third and fourth grade students from Cayuga Elementary school will be performing the National Anthem for the Syracuse Crunch game! For some fourth graders, this will be their second year in a row for this fun and exciting event! Attendance for the performance and/or game is open to the public. If you are interested in attending this game, call Matt Thompson at (315) 473-4444 ext. 34. *Be sure to mention you are with Cayuga Elementary to receive the discounted ticket pricing.
CONSTRUCTION ZONE AT A.J.
For the safety of the community, the A.J. Smith Elementary School grounds are closed to the public until further notice. Please do not enter the school parking lot, playground area, basketball court, school building, or any other areas around the property. We will notify the public when construction is complete and open to the public again. Thank you for your patience and cooperation as these important renovations are made.
COOK MEMORIAL FOREST
The Union Springs School District would like to remind members of the community that the Cook Memorial Forest, located adjacent to Route 90 and Townline Road in the Town of Springport is an educational instructional area. Board policy prohibits any hunting, fishing, use of motorized vehicles, or removal of any property from the forest. Use of the forest must be approved by the Superintendent of Schools or his designee. The forest has students using the grounds during the school year. Therefore, if there are any violations of Board policy, the full extent of the law will be used to prosecute violators. Any questions regarding the forest should be directed to the Superintendent’s Office. Union Springs Central School District | 239 Cayuga Street | (315) 889-4101 | www.unionspringscsd.org
UNION SPRINGS CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | SPRINGBOARD
NEW STAFF BIOS
@UnionSpringsCSD
SANDRA MADDEN
GRACE WEAVER
DUSTIN JONES
PATRICIA LEADER
Special Programs Secretary
Reading Teacher at Cayuga
Teacher Aide at Cayuga
Food Services at Cayuga
Sandra is originally from West Virginia but moved to Fulton about 18 years ago. Before joining the district, she was a typist at CCC. She enjoys training and volunteering with her Go Team Therapy Dog.
Grace is a graduate of Union Springs and lives in Cayuga. Prior to joining the district, she was a Teacher Assistant in Port Byron. Outside of work, she likes to spend time with friends and family, bake, and go to SU games.
Dustin was born and raised in Aurora and now lives in Geneva. Prior to joining the district, he was a chef at the Aurora Inn. He enjoys watching sports and taking his two dogs, Frank and Tia, on adventures.
Pat is from Scipio Center and now lives in Auburn. She was a stay-at-home mom with four young boys before joining the district. Pat loves going to yard sales, as well holding her own sales.
VENERA JOURAEVA
TODD RAFFERTY
MICHAEL DELANEY
CODY HOSFORD
Science Teacher at the HS
Head of Building Maintenance
Groundskeeper/Building Maintenance
Groundskeeper/Building Maintenance
Todd lives Venera lives in Genoa. in Central Before joining Square. After the district, graduating he was a from SUNYBuilding ESF, she Maintenance Mechanic taught college chemistry. and Bus Driver for the In her spare time, she Southern Cayuga CSD. In enjoys spending time with her family, listening his free time, Todd enjoys to music, kayaking, and spending one-on-one time with his eight children. Morris dancing.
Mike lives right here in the district. Prior to joining us, he retired from his job as a corrections officer in Auburn. Mike enjoys taking vacations down south so he can visit his kids.
2017 NYSPRA COMMUNICATIONS CONTEST WINNER
Cody lives in Union Springs. Prior to joining the district, he worked at a casino. Cody is an avid outdoorsman, and he especially loves anything to do with hunting, fishing, and kayaking.
UNION SPRINGS CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
The Union Springs Central School District won an Award of Excellence in the 2017 NYSPRA Communications Contest for its 2016-2017 district calendar. This is the second communications award the district has received in recent years. The district's website won an Award of Honor for its website in the 2015 NYSPRA Communications Contest.
CONGRATULATIONS!
2016
2017
239 Cayuga Street, Union Springs, New York 13160 • (315) 889-4101 • www.unionspringscsd.org
Union Springs Central School District | 239 Cayuga Street | (315) 889-4101 | www.unionspringscsd.org
DECEMBER 2017
WELCOME TO THE DISTRICT! JULIE DEWOLF
ROBERT KIME
JASON DEAN
HANNAH COGNETTI
Counselor at the MS
Science Teacher at the MS
Technology Teacher at the MS/HS
College & Career Counselor at the MS/HS
Julie lives in Robert lives in Port Byron. Waterloo, and Before joining he has been us, she Was an a teacher elementary since 1998. counselor for Robert enjoys the Greece CSD. She loves exploring various regions spending time outdoors of the U.S. with his family. and does a lot of camping His most recent adventure with her family. Her dream was in Wyoming where is to one day drive across they experienced several the country and visit state national parks. and national parks.
Jason lives in Kirkville. Before joining the district, he worked for CayugaOnondaga BOCES as the Itinerant STEM Technology teacher for Union Springs. Jason is a former Electronics Engineer and currently holds four U.S. patents.
Hannah moved to Auburn from San Diego, California. She obtained her Master's degree in Counseling from the University of San Diego. She loves surfing and is excited to transition her skills over to skiing and snowboarding this winter.
MAX MAIN Bus Driver
Max lives in Fleming, but he is originally from a small town near Binghamton. Prior to joining us, he provided direct care for people with developmental disabilities. Max enjoys doing outdoor activities.
PLEASE ALSO WELCOME THE FOLLOWING NEW STAFF MEMBERS: Lindsey Stupp has joined the Middle School as a Literacy Teacher. Elizabeth Reed has joined Cayuga Elementary as a Special Education Teacher. Look for their bios in the next district newsletter!
ANNOUNCEMENTS Jill's Dance: There will be no dance classes until after holiday break. Mark your calendar now for the dance recital on April 20, 2018! USCSD graduates now in the military: To be included on the high school’s Military Bulletin Board, please submit a recent 5”x7” photo, your name, year graduated, and branch of service to Sue Sciortino, 239 Cayuga St, Union Springs, NY 13160.
Kathryn Joy After Prom Committee: The After Prom Committee typically meets the second Tuesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. at the high school. All parents of the Junior Class are welcome! If you have any questions, please contact Nancy Walter at nwalter@cayugalakenationalbank.com. Continuing Education: We are planning our spring class offerings now. If there is a class you would like to see us offer or you would be willing to teach a class about your special interest, hobby, or area of expertise, please contact our Continuing Education Coordinator, Lisa Winters, at (315) 889-4112 or lwinters@unionspringscsd.org.
Union Springs Central School District | 239 Cayuga Street | (315) 889-4101 | www.unionspringscsd.org
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IMPORTANT DATES: WED DEC.
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Cayuga Holiday Concert (Pre-K & K)
@UnionSpringsCSD @UnionSpringsHS @UnionSpringsMS @UnionSpringsCay @USCSD_Wolves For A.J. Smith renovation updates: @UnionSpringsAJ
MS/HS @ 7pm
Cayuga Holiday Concert (Grs. 1 & 2) MS/HS @ 7pm
MS (7&8)/HS Holiday Chorus Concert MS/HS @ 7pm
MS (7&8)/HS Holiday Band Concert
STAY CONNECTED! Check out more district news and events on our website:
MS/HS @ 7pm
Cayuga Holiday Concert (Grs. 3 & 4)
www.unionspringscsd.org
CONTACT US: 239 Cayuga Street Union Springs, NY 13160
MS/HS @ 7pm
MS (5&6) Holiday Band/Chorus Concert
Phone: (315) 889-4101 Fax: (315) 889-4108
MS/HS @ 7pm
UNION SPRINGS CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT 239 Cayuga Street Union Springs, NY 13160
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