January 2014 Glances by Jodi Shantal

January 2014

A Message From the Superintendent mdrahos@m-ecs.org

On Tuesday, December 10, 2013 the voters of the Morrisville-Eaton Central School District voted 339-163 to move to a statutory vote regarding a potential merger with Hamilton Central. Since the Hamilton Central District voters rejected the referendum, the merger process between our two districts comes to an end. The defeated merger with Hamilton means that a long-range fiscal plan needs to be developed, which will be both sustainable and supportive of our district’s mission. Throughout the public information period, the idea of merging with another neighboring district was discussed. We will investigate that option. However, if there is not any interest in one of those districts, we need to be prepared to go forward with a self-sustaining financial plan. The vote on December 10th made it clear that this community supports our kids and is willing to make difficult choices in an effort to provide a quality education. A very real option is a long term phase-out of the Edward R. Andrews Building and moving our entire program to a single building. The cost savings from such a move could be significant. However, before anything like that happens, we will need to thoroughly study the potential savings and ensure that any such decision is done in a way that our educational mission is strengthened and not compromised. The Board of Education and administrative team will continue to work publicly and openly with our community in this effort. The Board of Education and I are aware that there are those who feel the rejection of the merger in the Hamilton District reflected

a distain and disregard toward our students and community. In all honesty, there was a small, vocal group that printed lawn signs and ran a two-page ad in the Mid-York Weekly that was insulting. However, there are many people in Hamilton who were also offended by the words and tactics of this group. In this issue of the Glances you will find a copy of a letter to the Morrisville-Eaton Community from the President of the Hamilton Board of Education, and Superintendent Bowers, reflecting their “utmost respect” for our school and community. The most important factor in moving forward is to continue to provide the best education for our students, and create as many opportunities for them as possible. Our response needs to be guided by what is best for kids. We have some powerful collaboration with Hamilton that provides such opportunities for our students and those will continue. We have also partnered with Madison Central and Stockbridge Valley on numerous initiatives, and we will seek to increase those opportunities. Morrisville-Eaton has great students and an incredible staff. While the financial challenges are significant, we will respond to this in a way which makes us an even stronger and more united learning community. Of that, everyone may rest assured!

Sincerely, Michael R. Drahos, Superintendent

“High Achievement always occurs in the framework of high expectation.” • • • Charles Kettering • • •

DISTRICT NEWS

SUNDAY

January 2014 MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

Reserve your Yearbook Month

Winter Recess No School

1/6-1/17 Catalog Sale sponsored by Class of 2015

PTO Meeting, 6:30 PM @ Elementary School

SATURDAY

Winter Recess No School

Modified Basketball Starts

Winter Recess No School

Classes Resume

FRIDAY

Shared Decision Making Group Meeting, 6 PM @ M/HS

Dance Grades 7-9 from 7-10 PM sponsored by Class of 2017 1/17-1/18 All County Music Festival @ Chittenango HS

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - No School

Activity Night @ M/HS Grades 7-12 from 7-10 PM sponsored by Class of 2015

SAT Exam

End of 20 week marking period

Regents Exams

Regular Board of Education Meeting, 7 PM @ M/HS

All County Auditions @ Hamilton HS

Regents Exams Report Cards Mailed

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February 2014

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Black History Month

Groundhog Day

5 PTO Meeting, 6:30 PM @ Elementary School

Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday

6 1

/2 Day Superintendent’s Conf. Day 10:47 - M/HS, Noon - Elementary(with lunch)

7 2/7-2/14 Flower Sale sponsored by Class of 2017

Valentine’s Day

8 Winterfest @ Elementary 2 - 7 PM

Pep Rally for Winter Sports

No School Mid-Winter Break

Presidents’ Day George Washington’s Birthday

23 January 2014

Regular Board of Education Meeting, 7 PM @ M/HS

Movie Night

End of 25 week marking period

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DISTRICT NEWS Outstanding Educator

condition. She recently received the Outstanding Performance in Youth Market Leadership Volunteer Award, and was honored at a dinner. It is students like Riley who show such enthusiasm that make this event so successful for us each year.

Morrisville-Eaton’s Tiffany Phillips was recognized as an “Outstanding Educator” at the Genesis Group’s 8th Annual Celebration of Education. The honors ceremony was held at the Harts Hill Inn in Whitesboro on November 21st. Mrs. Phillips was one of only 25 educators in the entire Mohawk Region to receive the distinction this year.

We hope you will help us in the fight against heart disease. If you don’t choose to donate monetarily, we hope you will help in the fight by keeping yourself healthy through good nutrition and exercise.

M-ECS Clothes Closet At Morrisville-Eaton Middle High School, the Leos club has now opened a clothes closet for students in need. This club began last year as a student club of approximately 30 students from eighth through twelfth grade. This group of students is connected to the Morrisville Lions Club. Mr. Michael Drahos, Ms. Cadi New, Mrs. Meaghan Palmer, and Mrs. Amanda Burdick are the advisors of the Leos Club. Last year after the club had collected hygiene products for kits for the local food pantry, collected money and toys for Judy Parker’s Christmas, participated in bell ringing for Salvation Army, the students were asked what should we do next for our community. One student said, “ I am tired of watching my family bag up clothes that go off to people I don’t know when my friends and classmates need my donations too. I want to set up a place where they can go and get what they need.” The clothes closet is a student-driven and student-organized project for the benefit of our students in need. Before we officially opened the clothes’ closet, the Leos club members were asked about whether students should pay a quarter for an article of clothing and our club members said absolutely not. The Leos club members said this should be free and a gift for those in need, and we will find other ways to buy and replenish our clothes closet. The Leos Club just had a boys’ Christmas party and a girls’ Christmas party for students in need. The students were invited to come in and shop for themselves and family for the holiday season. With the donations from our school, students were able to get clothes, hygiene products and even get presents for family in gifts bags to put right under the Christmas tree.

Tiffany is currently teaching Kindergarten at the Edward R. Andrews Elementary Building. Tiffany has been working with our students since 1994. During these past two decades she has been a teacher mentor for over a ½ dozen teachers, a grade-level team leader, the elementary lead teacher, a member of the team that put together the Writers Jubilee (which won Genesis recognition as a program of distinction last year), a turn-key trainer for the teacher center, and a faculty member of the R. Harry Lyndon Fund Committee. She has also helped with P.A.R.P., Kindergarten family nights, the district’s High Achievement Project focused on Literacy, and numerous other initiatives. Her nomination noted that, “The hallmark of Tiffany’s impact as a teacher, however, is her work with students who come to her with very challenging home lives. These students come to her during their first years of school… so many times that she has been the light of those students’ lives, and provided hope as well as a strong education.” The Morrisville-Eaton Central School District congratulates Mrs. Phillips and is grateful for all that she does on behalf of our students and school community.

If you have gently used clothes, new hygiene products (soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shaving cream, or razors), or would like to make a monetary donation, please contact Mr. Michael Drahos, Ms. Cadi New, or Mrs. Meaghan Palmer. We would appreciate your donations. The transformation of these students and the genuine smiles that have appeared on our students’ faces as they walk out of the clothes closet with new clothes truly warms the heart. Have a heart, do your part and donate to your own community because it is an act of kindness that is the right thing to do and you will feel good doing it.

2014 Jump Rope for Heart Information The 5th annual Jump Rope for Heart event at ER Andrews will be held on February 7th for 4th-6th graders and February 10th for K-3rd graders. We had a lot of success last year with the event. Students had fun while raising $7,129.85 for the American Heart Association! When you donate to the AHA, 96% of proceeds go directly to action, which is unlike most non-profit organizations, which is one of the reasons we enjoy working with them. We are looking to beat our total this year, so we are looking for your help. If you wish to help us with this great cause, you can do this in one of three ways. You can seek out a participating student, make a check out payable to the American Heart Association and mail it to M-ECS c/o Elementary Phys. Ed. Dept., PO Box 990, Morrisville, NY 13408, or you can contribute online at www.heart.org/jump. In addition to the tremendous total we were able to collect as a school, one student was recognized Nationally for her outstanding individual efforts. Riley Dutcher, now a 1st grader, raised $1,125 by herself in honor of her aunt who suffered from a heart

January 2014

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWS The Annual Veterans’ Day Luncheon The Veterans’ Day luncheon at E.R. Andrew’s Elementary School was held on November 6th this year and was enjoyed by the students and veteran guests! Every year, teachers, students, and community members make donations in order to treat a vet to lunch as a way of saying “Thank you!” for the sacrifices they have made for our country. This year we were able to host 45 veterans! Mr. Sid VanOrman, guest of kindergarten student, Chloe Payton drove all the way from Massachusetts just to attend! The cafeteria, led by Cindy DeGroat and her hardworking crew, provided a complete turkey dinner with all the trimmings, the elementary band played patriotic songs throughout the meal, and veterans were able to take in the beautiful Pre-K – 1st grade coloring contest posters and 3rd – 6th grade essay contest essays as they waited for their young hosts and hostesses to pick them up for lunch. The 6th grade Student Council worked all morning to decorate the cafeteria for the luncheon. By the time the veterans arrived, it was a vision in red, white, and blue.

lots of other things during tragedies. For example, if another country burns down one of our villages, the military will rebuild it. The final reason is that they protect and take care of our country and flag. They make sure that our country is safe. I am so glad we have a day to honor our veterans.

Keep your kids safe. Get their seasonal flu vaccines every year.

Seasonal Flu: A Guide for Parents Is seasonal flu more serious for kids?

Veterans’ Day Is Important To Me Written by Jennifer Moskvich, a student in Mrs. Jones’ 5th grade class. Veterans’ Day is important to me. The reason why Veterans’ Day is important to me is because veterans are war heroes. Veterans fought in wars to protect the United States from being invaded. Veterans are men and women who have fought in various wars and have come back alive. Those who fought in a war and died are also considered veterans. Veterans have fought in many wars like the Korean War, World War II, World War I, and the Vietnam War. The Veterans have come from the military, the navy, and the Air Force. Every country has its own veterans. In present-day 2013, the military has saved more American soldiers’ lives with technology. My father is a veteran. My father was in the Russian military. His training was harsh. Many times bandits came and killed men in the military. They fought in war. The location my father fought in war was not safe at all. My father survived the war. My father is a veteran from Russia. Veterans are very important to the United States. Us Americans owe veterans our lives. Veterans had fought to keep the United States safe. We are very lucky to have veterans. Veterans are always to be respected.

Infants and young children are at a greater risk for getting seriously ill from the flu. That’s why the New York State Department of Health recommends that all children 6 months and older get the seasonal flu vaccine.

Flu vaccine may save your child’s life.

Most people with seasonal flu are sick for about a week, and then they feel better. But, some people, especially young children, pregnant women, older people, and people with chronic health problems can get very sick. Some can even die. A flu vaccine is the best way to protect your child from seasonal flu. It is recommended for everyone 6 months and older.

What is seasonal flu?

The flu, or influenza, is an infection of the nose, throat, and lungs. The flu can spread from person to person.

Flu shot or nasalspray vaccine?

• Flu shots can be given to children 6 months and older. • A nasal-spray vaccine can be given to healthy children 2 years and older. • Children younger than 5 years who have experienced wheezing in the past year – or any child with chronic health problems – should get the flu shot, not the nasal-spray vaccine. • Children younger than 9 years old who get a vaccine for the first time need two doses.

How else can I protect my child?

• Get the seasonal flu vaccine for yourself. • Encourage your child’s close contacts to get seasonal flu vaccine, too. This is very important if your child is younger than 5 or if he or she has a chronic health problem such as asthma (breathing disease) or diabetes (high blood sugar levels). Because children under 6 months can’t be vaccinated, they rely on those around them to get vaccinated. • Wash your hands often and cover your coughs and sneezes. It’s best to use a tissue and quickly throw it away. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands. This will prevent the spread of germs. • Tell your children to: • Stay away from people who are sick; • Clean their hands often; • Keep their hands away from their face, and • Cover coughs and sneezes to protect others.

What are signs of the flu?

The flu comes on suddenly. Most people with the flu feel very tired and have a high fever, headache, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and sore muscles. Some people, especially children, may also have stomach problems and diarrhea. The cough can last two or more weeks.

People who have the flu usually cough, sneeze, and have a runny nose. The droplets in a cough, sneeze or runny nose contain the flu virus. Other people can get the flu by breathing in these droplets or by getting them in their nose or mouth.

How long can a sick person spread the flu to others?

Most healthy adults may be able to spread the flu from one day before getting sick to up to 5 days after getting sick. This can be longer in children and in people who don’t fight disease as well (people with weaker immune systems).

What should I use to clean hands?

Wash your children’s hands with soap and water. Wash them for as long as it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice. If soap and water are not handy, use wipes or gels with alcohol in them unless they are visibly soiled. The gels should be rubbed into hands until the hands are dry.

What can I do if my child gets sick?

Make sure your child gets plenty of rest and drinks lots of fluids. Talk with your child’s doctor before giving your child over-the-counter medicine. If your children or teenagers may have the flu, never give them aspirin or medicine that has aspirin in it. It could cause serious problems.

Can my child go to school/day care with the flu?

No. If your child has the flu, he or she should stay home to rest. This helps avoid giving the flu to other children.

When can my child go back to school/ day care after having the flu?

Children with the flu should be isolated in the home, away from other people. They should also stay home until they are symptom-free for 24 hours (that is, until they have no fever without the use of fever-control medicines and they feel well for 24 hours.) Remind your child to protect others by covering his or her mouth when coughing or sneezing. You may want to send your child to school with some tissues, wipes or gels with alcohol in them if the school allows gels.

For more information about the flu, visit http://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/influenza/seasonal/ Or, www.cdc.gov/flu Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Facebook/NYSDOH Twitter/HealthNYgov 2423

Thanks to all who participated in this important event!

Save Your Labels

Winning Student Essays Veterans’ Day Is Important To Me Written by Baylee Pierce, a student in Mrs. Clemen’s 4th grade class. Veterans’ Day is important to me. The first reason is that they risk their lives to give us freedom and protect us from other countries. They travel country to country for our freedom. The second reason is that they rebuild buildings and

January 2014

How does the flu spread?

Pictured in the photo above are the contest winners listed back to front and left to right: Baylee Pierce (4th grade), Jenniefer Moskvich (5th), Dalaney Graves (Pre-K), Angela Moskvich (1st grade), and Ella Griffin – Kindergarten

E.R. Andrews Elementary School will continue to be participating in the Campbell’s Labels for Education program and the General Foods Box Tops for Education program this year.

7/11

DISTRICT NEWS M-ECS PTO NEWS Happy New Year! I hope many of you enjoyed the gifts your children selected at the Elf’s Closet or a card made during our “Make and Take Card Night”. Both of these activities were held in early December and had record participation. We also sponsored the elementary, middle school and high school honor roll receptions. All students that were on honor roll for the fourth and/or first quarters were honored at a reception and received an ice cream and certificate. PTO also provided prizes for drawings for the middle and high school honor students. One yearbook and one food gift certificate to a Morrisville eatery were provided for each grade. Our Gertrude Hawk candy sale will begin on February 14th and run through March 6th. Candy will be available for pick-up around April 1st. This is our ONLY fund raiser and it provides the funds that PTO uses to sponsor all of our activities throughout the year including; Elf’s Closet, Make and Take Card Night, honor roll receptions, PTO scholarships, author visits, staff appreciation activities, and donations to community events. We hope all students are able to assist us by selling candy and adults are able to support the PTO and our students by making a purchase. Just one sale by each of our students and one purchase from each adult make a difference. We try to sponsor activities that benefit as many of our children as possible. Information about the Gertrude Hawk Candy Sale (including how to order online), is located on our PTO website. Access the school website at www.mecs.org, hover over District and then select PTO. Or you can contact me if you would like to make a purchase but don’t know an M-ECS student. Watch for upcoming movie nights that we will be sponsoring. These are free (including popcorn) and open to all students and community members. Our upcoming activities are always listed on the website so check it often. Thank you for all of your support!

Sincerely,

Lynda Lehr

Lynda Lehr • M-ECS PTO President Phone - 684-3796

Elementary Parent-Teacher Conference Half Days March 27, 2014 11:15 a.m. dismissal

January 2014

7th Grade High Honor Shelbie Boyden Gabriel Camp Megan Cranwell Harlee Goodwin Kirsten Grabow Grace Mbaga Eric Moskvich Lyla O'Hara Connor Ogrydziak Morgan Phillips Collin Shelton Zachary Strong Kady Warner 8th Grade High Honor Meghan Austin Ariathne Avgenikos Tiffany Bagnall Katrina Campbell Gabrielle Collins Emily Cranwell Erika Doroshenko Kaylee Ducey Joshua Egelston Macenzi Egelston Grace Heitzman Makenzie Hirsch Matthew Mbaga Dakota Merkle William Moskvich Maddison Newton Jeanna Pittman Sergey Scoville Owen Snyder MacKenzie Sternburg Mason Warner Eric Zheng 9th Grade High Honor Annaliese Bono Amanda Cranwell Michaela Fox Sarah Grabiec Connor Haugli Cooper Koehl Kylie Lehr Olivia Nodine Carrie Seitz Alyssa Smalley Michael Spring Nicolas Suarez Matthew Sullivan Shelby Villnave Kayla Welytok 10th Grade High Honor Kalliope Avgenikos Aysia Bemont Jordyn Camp Joshua Farrar Zachary Fuentes Lamb Jennifer Hilts Alicia LaFever Robyn Latham MaKayla Leviker Amanda Marshall Tristan Martin John Mbaga Vitaliy Moskvich Kathryn Parkhurst Deena Scoville

11th Grade High Honor Brooke Brown Heidi Gorton Cloe King Jocelyn Martin Coby Merkle Jessica Murray Jenna Sedore Samantha Selinsky Emily Widger Marcos Zamora 12th High Honor Roll Alexis Acosta Shelby Brown Colin Caraher Paige Clark Sandra Calark Margaret Collins Kier Faisst Aaron Forward Megan Groves Daniel Hilts Alexis Hosler Shelby Jones Ariana Konieczko Laura Konieczko Nicholas Krause John Lehr Rebecca Moran Wyatt Morris Kayla Nodecker Avery Snyder Jarrod Thurston 7th Grade Honor Roll April Bolster Katherine Boyce Kaitlyn Campbell Kimberly Chandler Zachary Dahl Colter Day Brianna Griffing Nicole Hill Grace Jayson Francene Madonia Taylor Manwarren Natalee Migonis Devan Pelky Delia Robbins Meghan Smith Elizabeth Spring Cole Szewczyk Trevor Wiley Christina Wrigley 8th Grade Honor Roll Emma Baker Cameron Clark Alex Featherly Pierce Ford Kaley Judge Emily LeBlanc Donald Relyea Steven Rice Loretta Robbins Marshall Rosenthal Dakota Sequin Molly-Anne Smith Derek Stoddard Cassondra Whitmore

9th Grade Honor Roll Darius Booth Michaela Compoli Zackary Finster Alexis Jayson Danny Jayson Jr. Monica Jones Kennedy Leete Cade Miller Kasey Riggall Alexandria Simpson Dylan Stoddard Tyler Vandusen John Warner 10th Grade Honor Roll Justin Chapin Tyler Cronin Amber DeKing Morgan Fox Hayley Hewitt Katie Higinbotham Brianna Lake Breck Newton, II Madison Phillips James Schaffer Jakob Von Schuh Maddison Wrigley 11th Grade Honor Roll Brandon Case Rachel Choolagian Nicholas Christman Lucas Clark Hannah Crowell Angelica Cruz Natalie Diable Gabrielle Dixon Tyler Eaton Glen Garbry David Grabiec Graham Harrington Jordan Highers Austin Jones June Locke Megan Matthews Colton Mennig Joshua Morrow Delores Relyea Molly Wagner James Welytok James Williams 12th Grade Honor Roll Christine Boyden Carrie Eastman Paige Foster James Grabiec Ernest Hackney Kyle Hagmann Andrea Jayson Lauren Kellum Hannah Kendall Jenna Kent Collin Luce Matthew Marshall Bric Miller Adam Montanye Jordan Peckham Caleb Pollock Troy Riggall Matthew Roher Calixto Suarez Cameron Thompson Cody Warner Lacy Westcott

MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL NEWS Counseling Center News

Dear Families and Students, Happy New Year! I hope everyone enjoyed the holiday season. In an effort to reduce the number of exams students have to take at the end the school year, we are phasing out final exams for Regents courses. All students who are enrolled in a Regents course must take the Regents exam for that course at the end of the year. These exams will count as their final exam. Students are always allowed to retake an exam in August or January if they are not successful. The January Regents Exams will be administered during the week of January 27-31. We will run a normal school schedule during this time and all students are expected to be in attendance. If your son/daughter is retaking a Regents Exam, please encourage him/her to take advantage of our review sessions and to get a good night’s rest before their exams. This year we are encouraging some of our seniors to retake the ELA Regents Exam and/or the Integrated Algebra Regents Exam in January. The New York State Education Department has designated that a student is college and career ready if they attain an 80 percent or higher on one of the three math Regents Exams and a 75 or higher on the ELA Regents Exam. The data indicates that students who achieve these grades are less likely to have to take remedial courses in mathematics or English in college. This could equate to a monetary savings in college and less time on noncredit bearing coursework. Please contact the guidance office if you have any questions about this. Letters have been sent home to students who have not met the designation. As we complete the second marking period, I would like to encourage all students to study hard and make sure all work is turned in on time. Your son/daughter’s success is important to us. If we can help with any academic issues, please do not hesitate to call or e-mail us. All contact information can be found on the school’s website at www.m-ecs. org. If you have not received e-mails from the school, please contact us so that we may update your e-mail in our student management system. If you have any other questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at 684-9121.

College Applications If you have not yet submitted college applications, be aware of upcoming deadlines. Additionally, please remember to communicate with your counselor if you submit an application online. College Acceptances Please remember to share with us your good news! Bring us a copy of your acceptance letter and we will list your college acceptance in an upcoming issue of the Glances. Attention Parents and Students in grades 11 and 12: There will be a Financial Aid presentation on January 16, 2014 at 6:15pm in Room 108. We encourage parents and students in grades 11 and 12 to attend in order to learn about the college Financial Aid process as well as the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Scholarship Opportunity from Morrisville State College: Local Campus Award - Eligible Students: Incoming Freshmen from Madison and Chenango Counties. Morrisville State College is committed to the local communities with campuses in both Morrisville and Norwich, NY. Awarded to incoming freshmen ranked in the top 10% of their graduating class from high schools in Madison or Chenango counties, the Local Campus Award provides full tuition and fees any Pell and Tap awards to our local freshmen in recognition of their academic merit. Reminder to Juniors about SAT and ACT Testing: Typically, students take the SAT or ACT in the Spring of their 11th grade year. Please be aware of the following information for registration of these exams: Exam & Date Registration DEADLINE Late Registration You can register at the following links: (extra fee required) ACT - April 12, 2014 www.actstudent.org

March 7, 2014

March 21, 2014

SAT - May 3, 2014 www.collegeboard.org

April 4, 2014

April 18, 2014

Sincerely,

SAT - June 7, 2014 www.collegeboard.org

May 9, 2014

May 23, 2014

Christopher Brewer

ACT - June 14, 2014 www.actstudent.org

May 9, 2014

May 23, 2014

Christopher A. Brewer • Middle/High School Principal

Parent Portal Training Session The district has the ability to allow parents/guardians access to our student management system - SchoolTool. Parents/guardians would gain “view only” access to their child’s records. Access would be available for the following information: child’s schedule, attendance, grades, discipline, assignments, and state assessments. Access to Parent Portal is available for parents/guardians of students in grades 7-12. You must have a valid email address to gain access to Parent Portal. The Parent Portal permission form can be found on our website under “Parent Info” or by contacting Mrs. Dailey at 684-9121. January 2014

MIDDLE/HIGH AND DISTRICT NEWS The Lions Club Student Service Award Recipients for November are Jennifer Hilts and Colton Mennig Jennifer Hilts, a sophomore, is the daughter to Jean and John Hilts. She enjoys participating in field hockey, basketball, and softball at Morrisville-Eaton. She also participates in ASA Homerun Softball. Jennifer is a member of the Student Council, GAA, and is her class president. She helps at the concessions at the sporting events, volunteers at Church dinners and in the food pantry. She also was a referee at Field Hockey Reunion Tournament. Jennifer is planning to attend college and wants to study sports medicine. She would also like to continue to play softball in college. Keep up the good work! Colton Mennig, a junior, is the son to Deanna and Randy Mennig. At M-ECS he enjoys playing tennis and has also played soccer. He is a member of the Student Council, NHS, and a representative of the class of 2015. Colton also took a summer class at LeMoyne College in American National Politics. He has volunteered his time at the Easter egg hunt for four years and at pancake breakfasts. Colton has plans to attend college after graduation. His plan is to get a degree in Political Science and then study law. He would like to pursue politics. Go for it Colton!

The Lions Club Student Service Award Recipients for December are Faith Berger and Brooke Brown Faith Beatric Berger, a junior, is the daughter of Jaime and Kelly Berger. At M-ECS she plays soccer and participates in track and field. She attends the Cosmetology class at BOCES and loves to work with hair, nails, drawing, and painting. Faith volunteers her time to Wanderers’ Rest and to Camp Lookout. She also helps at the Brookfield Fair, the Community Action Program, and the park in Canastota. Faith plans on attending college in the field of Cosmetology and hopes to someday open her own salon. Best of luck and keep up the good work! Brooke Taylor Brown, a junior, is the daughter of Chrissy CollierBrown and Marlon Brown. At M-ECS she plays soccer, is a member of the Leo’s Club and was inducted into the National Honor Society. She has volunteered her time helping with Southern Comfort and with Northern Comfort at two different times. Brooke has also helped by bell ringing for the Salvation Army and with the Class of 2015 bake sale. Brooke plans to go to college to study Marine Biology. You’re doing a good job!

If you feel your son or daughter could be eligible for the Lions Club Service Award please call Ann Marie Martorana at 684-5903. January 2014

SPORTS NEWS A MESSAGE FROM OUR ATHLETIC COORDINATOR, CHRISTOPHER DOROSHENKO It is hard to believe that as I am writing this for the school Glances, we are only a month away from the winter JV and Varsity sports season to come to an end. It has been a great beginning to the season and we have had good participation at all levels. Our wrestlers started the winter season with hosting the M-ECS Dual Meet Tournament. The M-ECS girls basketball team placed 2nd in the Madison Holiday Tournament and the boys placed 3rd, but just missed the finals with a one point loss in the opening round. Our volleyball team recently won the Mt. Markham Tournament. If you would like a schedule for any sport team, please feel free to contact me at cdoroshenko@m-ecs.org, or you can go to the following link http://49024.digitalsports. com/ to get upcoming games and schedules. If you have a child who plays a sport any time during the year and have not registered for e-mail alerts that will give you changes, just send me an e-mail. Please include the sports you would like notifications on and I will add you to that list.

We would like to congratulate the following NYSPHSAA scholar athlete teams: Field Hockey – Bridget Blain, Sandra Clark, Margaret Collins, Corral Dennis, Niki Ganung, Jennifer Hilts, Alexis Holsler, Cloe King, Maddie Lemal Brown, Lindsey Palmer, Kathryn Parkhurst, Lauren Kellum. Girls Soccer – Kalliope Avgenikos, Emily Widger, Brooke Brown, Shelby Brown, Amanda Cranwell, Morgan Fox, Heidi Gorton, Makenzie Hirsch, Alicia LaFever, Kylie Lehr, Deena Scoville, MacKenzie Sternburg.

2nd Team CSC, Jen Hilts 2nd Team CSC, Maddie Lemal-Brown 2nd Team CSC, Jessie Carroll Honorable Mention CSC. Football: 1st Team All-Stars - Wyatt Morris & EJ Hackney, 2nd Team All-Stars - Nick Christman, Brad Smalley & Logan Bailey Girls Soccer: Emily Widger 1st Team CSC, Shelby Brown 1st Team CSC, Rachel Spring 1st Team CSC, Jenna Kent Honorable Mention CSC, Emilie LeBlanc Honorable Mention CSC, Gracie Baker Honorable Mention CSC

Field Hockey All Stars – Sandra Clark 1st Team CSC, Section III All Star, NY State All Star, Lauren Kellum 1st Team CSC, Section III All Star, Jessica Welsh 1st Team CSC, Section III All Star, NY State All Star, Meghan Holcomb 1st Team CSC, Kathryn Parkhurst 2nd Team CSC, Margaret Collins Congratulations! Our Field Hockey team the 2013 Class D Field Hockey Champions

was crowned

Sports schedules Schedules are available on the schools website. If you would like a copy of a sports schedule please contact Christopher Doroshenko, Director/Coordinator of Athletics at 684-5905 or at cdoroshenko@m-ecs.org. January 2014

MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL NEWS 72nd M-ECS National Honor Society Induction The Morrisville-Eaton Central School National Honor Society inducted twelve juniors and four seniors in a ceremony in the high school auditorium on Wednesday, October 30th. M-ECS proudly carries on its long tradition of active membership since 1941. The National Honor Society ranks as one of the oldest and most prestigious national organizations for high school students. Chapters exist in three-fourths of the nation’s high schools. Membership is an honor respected throughout life.

Back Row (l-r): Christine Boyden, Cloe King, Natalie Diable, Coby Merkle, Aaron Forward, Tyler Eaton, Andy Zamora Front (l-r) Colton Mennig, Jocelyn Martin, Brandon Case, Brooke Brown, Jessica Murray, Heidi Gorton, Emily Widger, Shelby Jones, And Ariana Konieczko.

Inductees needed to have a record of meeting high standards of scholarship, service, leadership, and character. Members were selected by a faculty council selected annually by the principal. This council adjudicates membership issues for one year. This year’s Faculty Council consists of Mrs. Anderalli, Mr. Donker, Ms. Rapke, Mrs. Howlett, and Mrs. Yancey. Each candidate must have a cummulative GPA of at least 88.0%. The Faculty Council then considers information from (1) the “Student Activity Information Form” filled out by the candidate and (2) a “Faculty Evaluation Form” completed by those who work directly with these students. In a meeting supervised by the chapter advisers (non-voting, ex-officio members) the new members are chosen by majority vote of the Faculty Council. With the candidates' families, faculty, friends and fellow students were in attendance; the chapter’s 72nd annual, traditional, candle lighting ceremony began with an introduction by the Chapter President, Avery Snyder who also spoke about Leadership. She was followed by chapter officers explaining the significance of each of the other three qualities esteemed by the society: Chapter Secretary Kayla Nodecker, spoke on Service; Chapter Treasurer, Shelby Brown, spoke on Scholarship; and Chapter Vice President Margaret Collins, spoke on Character. Following the lighting of the candles, President Chandler led new members in the chapter’s pledge and invited them to join their parents and faculty at a reception in the library. New Members Seniors Boyden, Christine Forward, Aaron Jones, Shelby Konieczko, Ariana Juniors Brown, Brooke Case, Brandon Diable, Natalie Eaton, Tyler Gorton, Heidi King, Cloe Martin, Jocelyn Mennig, Colton Merkle, Coby Murray, Jessica Widger, Emily Zamora, Marcos (Andy) veteran seniors:

Brown, Shelby…Treasurer Clark, Sandra Collins, Margaret…Vice-President Eastman, Carrie Hilts, Daniel Kent, Jenna Konieczko, Laura…Web Master Krause, Nicholas Lehr, John Morris, Wyatt Nodecker, Kayla…Secretary Roher, Matthew Snyder, Avery…President

January 2014

National Honor Society Blood Drive and Gift Drive November and December have been busy months for the M-ECS National Honor Society. Our members held one of the most successful blood drives in M-ECS history, provided bell ringers to help raise money for the Salvation Army, posted inspirational quotes on the Middle/High School sign and participated in a very successful holiday fundraiser which will help fund our spring projects. This past November 20th, the Morrisville Eaton NHS held its first blood drive of the year for the American Red Cross. Thanks to the efforts of our members going out and signing up teachers, students and members of the community to donate, we are proud to say this drive was a great success. The NHS was able to collect 55 units of blood, several of which were double units. This donation could potentially help save the lives of up to 165 people. The members of the NHS have began to post motivational quotes on the back side of the M-ECS sign that resides on the front lawn. Each day as students leave the school they are reminded that they too can make a difference in this world and that they are only limited by their own imaginations and willingness to improve themselves and the environment around them. This year we are continuing with the trend of supporting school spirit. The quotes will change approximately 2 times per month. It is our hope that these quotes will help to inspire our student body to greatness. During the final weeks of November the Salvation Army approached several M-ECS organizations at our school to help provide bell ringers at the local Big M to collect donations. Together with the MECS chapter of the Leos we were able to provide several days worth of bell ringers to aide the Salvation Army in their worthy endeavor. The NHS would like to thank all of the members of the community that helped make our Poinsettia/ Wreath sale an amazing success this year. Your purchases have helped the NHS to have a solid financial base for our spring endeavors. Sincerely,

Beth & David

Beth Geatrakas and David Kaun, M-ECS • NHS Chapter Advisors

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWS Also Significant Another study found that in schools where teachers reported high levels of outreach to parents, test scores grew at a rate 40 percent higher than in schools that reported low levels of outreach to parents.

Dear Families and Students: Parent and family involvement is a very important part of helping your child succeed at school.There are many compelling reasons why parents - all parents - should get involved in their children's education.

Home and School

Major Benefits

A three-year study of 12,000 high school student concluded that "When parents come to school regularly, it reinforces the view in the child's mind that school and home are connected and that school is an integral part of the whole family's life."

Research shows that when parents are involved in their children's education, the children are more likely to: • • • • • • • • •

earn better grades. score higher on tests. pass their classes. attend school regularly. have better social skills. show improved behavior. be more positive in their attitude toward school. complete homework assignments. graduate and continue their education.

Reading and the Parent Group A two-year study of home and school influences on literacy achievement among children from low-income families found that the single variable most positively connected to all literacy skills was formal involvement in parent-school activities such as PTO participation, attending school activities, and serving as a volunteer. Schools with involved parents enjoy: • better morale among teachers. • higher ratings of teachers by parents. • more support from families. • a better reputation in the community.

More Is Better Parents can serve many different roles in the educational process: home help, advocates for their children, volunteers, fundraisers, boosters. And they can even serve in decision making and oversight roles for the school. The more parents participate in a sustained way at each of these levels, the better for student achievement.

Parents Benefit, Too When parents become involved in their children's education, the parents are more likely to:

Start Early

• be more confident at school. • be more confident in themselves as parents and their ability to help their children learn. • be held in higher esteem by teachers and have teachers expect more from their children. • enroll in continuing education to advance their own schooling.

When parents get involved early in their children's education, the results are more pronounced and long-lasting. At All Levels Studies indicate that parent involvement in education has a positive effect at all grade levels: elementary, middle, and high school.

A Final Note

Dads Matter

Why should parents get involved? Because involvement can make a dramatic difference for their children. Parent involvement is a powerful tool. Spread the word.

In both two-parent and father-only households where dads are highly involved in their schools, children are more likely to: • succeed academically. • enjoy school. • participate in extracurricular activities.

they are less likely to: • have to repeat a grade. • be suspended or expelled.

Sincerely,

Debra Dushko

A Significant Difference

Debra A. Dushko • Elementary Principal

One study found that students from families with above-average parent involvement were 30 percent more successful in school than those with below-average involvement. Success was measured by GPA; test scores in math, science, reading, and social studies; promotion and retention rates; and teacher ratings.

AYSO Soccer Looking for a way to keep your Pre-K - 6th grade child healthy and active? Come to our spring registration at the Elementary School February 15, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Everyone plays!

January 2014

DISTRICT NEWS Edward R Andrews Elementary - 10 week

Fitness Center Hours

Honor High Honor Grade 4: Grade 4: America Bartlett Clarissa Akers Indigo Bemont Jewel Cameron Carissa Bennett Tawny Day Nicholaus Brady Keiffer Koehl Gabriel Cargill Gage Marshall he fitness center will be open to the public on onday Joy Davis Olivia McCoy and ednesday from p m to pm he itness Cameran Gelatt Baylee Pierce enter will not be open during school breaks or when Darren Grabow Lacey Priest school is cancelled Payton Hirsch Jason Schlotzhauer Jr. Haley Hoffman Simon Thomas Aeryn Jackson Abigail Kochman Natalia Parker Emily Stewart Arika Sutton Makenzie Thomas Nicholaus Vedder Jacob Welytok Grade 5: Grade 5: Catherine Bagnall Maximillian Akers Sean Booth Hannah Caruso Robin Colvin Haley Henry Dauson Compoli Ariana Hilliard Heather Doroshenko Logan Hosler Tanner Eaton Amy Jacobs Shawna Manwarren Alexander Markowski Kalena Merriman Ava Martinez Mollie Migonis Tanner Muscarella Jenniefer Moskvich Paul Pittman McKenzie Newton Theresa Vedder Katelyn Palmer Danika Young William Vedder Grade 6: Grade 6: Alison Aldrich Lily Domes Jade Chapin Delaney Koehl Jordan Croniser Alexis LaFever Olivia Eastman Victoria Sgarlata Jackson Ford Morrisville Public Library 2014 Budget Nicholas Fox Scott Griffin INCOME Daniel Moskvich Public Library Morrisville Eaton School District $ 120,000.00 Lily Orth Board Trustees Meeting New York State $ 1,746.00 Kamryn Roher Dates for 2014 Madison County $ 3,651.00 Connor Vaill Donations $ 2,500.00 Carter Vaill Fines and Fees $ 3,000.00 January 16, 2014 Samantha VanDusen Fundraising $ 1,500.00 March 20, 2014 Kendra Waltz Use of Unallocated Fund Balance $ 5,000.00 May 15, 2014 Darren Zheng Total Income $ 137,397.00 July 17, 2014 September 18, 2014 EXPENSES November 20, 2014 Personnel Costs & Benefits $ 74,639.00 Library Materials $ 10,300.00 (They are all in the library's program Technology $ 3,070.00 room at 6:30 p.m.) Building Maintenance $ 37,083.00 Operating Expense $ 12,305.00 Total Expenses $137,397.00

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January 2014

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ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWS Welcome 2014!

Stunning Sock Puppets!

Another year has arrived and with it all kinds of opportunities and possibilities. We just have to be aware and have the perspective that we have opportunities and possibilities and with that we have “hope” for our future.Our school district has gone through a vote recently in regards to merging with a neighboring district. Our district voted to merge, their district did not. I saw the numbers. I am also aware, they are just numbers.

The fourth grade book club recently read A Dragon in the Sock Drawer, by Kate Klimo. Pictured is the group with their dragon sock puppet creations!

The reason I took my job did not relate to numbers or I might have obtained my MBA instead of my MSW. I wanted to assist kids to be their best in life. I continue to strive towards that everyday. I know numbers matter a little. I have just gone through the angst of deciding whether to get a new car since my old one was starting to need a lot of expensive repairs to keep running. I really do not have enough money to buy a new car. Yet, I need a reliable car if I want to get to work, the store, the dentist, my kids events, to visit my parents, etc.. I am sure some of you can relate. I just purchased a new car with the feeling of hope that I can eliminate some of the expenses in my life of things that I do not need. These are the things that will not matter when I get to the end of my life. I will then have more available for what I do need right now. One of these is transportation. I have hope that I can work this out. As a district this is a wonderful time for us to find hope in what we want to create that has meaning, in what will matter to the students in our district in the short run and the long run. What can we give our students that will assist them to do and be their best today and on into their future? I have a consulting business called Teambuilding-The Resiliency Factor. I work with various teams to assist them in gaining resilience from their experience, an ability to do more than they thought they could do and be more than they thought they could be. They become aware of how to integrate their emotions and meet their own needs and then work with their teammates to create something better than they could on their own. They figure out how to make decisions that are best for everyone around them including themselves. As a school district we do a very good job with this. As a district, we work to overcome the odds and to be more than we thought we could. I sometimes have students complete a maze and it is interesting to watch when they get blocked from where they wanted to go. Some students rebound right away and look for another solution that will work better. Some students continue to attempt to get through the block in the maze and circle around and around the blocked area. As a district we need to take a breath. We need to realize all of the positive things we have going for us. We need to look for the new opportunities that are right around the corner. This will help us to shine as a district that creates students with a bright desire to reach their potential no matter what experiences they come from or what experiences they are going through. Just on a side note: I sat in a meeting this morning with a group from M-ECS and some gentlemen from an outside organization. Near the end of the meeting one of them said to the group of us: I just want to let you know how nice it is to work with a school district like yours. “You really care about your students and you are all willing to do whatever you have to do to help your students be successful”. It was nice to hear that today. And the really “cool” thing is I have heard that from numerous outside organizations already this year. That gives me hope that we are doing a lot of things right that make a difference for the betterment of our students. I know it can give our district hope that there are a lot of opportunities and possibilities just around the corner. Looking forward to working towards that together in 2014! Shelly L Kempton, LMSW School Social Worker

January 2014

Cards of Caring from Third Graders Third graders recently reached out to the larger community by preparing cards for the residents of Unity Acres, near Pulaski, NY. The students were sympathetic to the men, as many of those residents are without family. Unity Acres is a hospitality house for men. Their mission is to provide a safe, caring and permanent home for men who have become homeless. Pictured below are Selena Frazer & RJ Woodworth with their cards.

Price Chopper Tools for Schools Program

Tools for Schools is a very important part of Price Chopper’s commitment to the community. They are proud to have contributed over $8,000,000 in educational equipment to local schools to date. Participation in the program is easy. Simply sign up with your AdvantEdge Card to support the Edward R. Andrews Elementary or Morrisville-Eaton Middle-High School. Once you sign up, everything you purchase at Price Chopper with your AdvantEdge Card earns points to help your school get a larger share of the $500,000 in FREE equipment to be distributed through our Tools for Schools program. If you don’t have a card, visit the Customer Service Desk at any Price Chopper location. For more information you can visit the following website: http://www2.pricechopper.com/toolsforschools/

DISTRICT NEWS Author, Kate Messner Visits Author, Kate Messner came and visited on December 2nd & 3rd. Ms. Messner is the author of 14 books, which include 3 picture books, 3 historical fiction novels and several chapter books.

Justice, a sixth-grader, brainstorms ideas for her story during Kate Messner’s visit.

During Ms. Messner’s two-day visit, she presented her “Story Puzzle Writing Workshop”. In the workshops, Ms. Messner explained one of the ways that she gets her story ideas and how she starts to develop her main character. During the workshop, she had each of the students create a chart of “things I like”, “settings”, and “themes/mood” and then brainstorm ideas for each category. Once the students finished the chart, they then picked an idea from each category as their basis for a story. When the students left the workshop, they had created the “backbone” of a story to write!!

All of the students were excited about Ms. Messner’s visit with us and all had a good time. Ms. Messner was impressed by the way our students behaved and the way our teachers interacted with the students. Kudos to our students and teachers!! For more pictures of Ms. Messner’s visit, check out the Elementary Library page!

6th Grade All-County Chorus Congratulations to the following students who made 6th grade All-County Chorus. They will perform the weekend of January 17th & 18th in Chittenango. Delaney Koehl Kamryn Roher Alexis LaFever Joah McCoy Evelyn Jayson Micah Bresloff Victoria Sgarlata

Tyler, a third-grader, shares his story idea with his classmates and Kate Messner.

Fall Into Reading!! The students and families of E.R. Andrews recently completed a two-week Parents As Reading Partners program to continue their positive reading habits at home. Students tried to make reading a habit at home by setting aside time to read (15 minutes) each night. Student progress was noted on trees in the main hallway. All participants were rewarded with a certificate for a free kid’s meal from Applebee’s, as well as all the benefits reading brings. In addition, the classes with the highest participation were rewarded with an apple crisp party! Congratulations to the homerooms of Ms. Hughes, Ms. Gleasman, and Ms. Taylor. The PARP Committee hopes that all families will participate in our spring program. We promise that the theme will be cool!

January 2014

DISTRICT NEWS Don’t Miss Out! Order your 2014 AMARIAH Yearbook now! Reserve your copy of the 2014 Amariah today. In an effort to better manage our yearbook budget this year we are offering a tiered pricing system. The yearbook is priced at $48.00 if you place your order before December 31, 2013. On January 1, 2014 the price of the yearbook will be $55.00. Prices include sales tax. Don’t miss out on the memories and a chance to save some money - order your copy today! You can reserve your copy with a $10 deposit. Checks should be made payable to M-ECS Yearbook. The balance on your order will be due by May 2, 2014. Please complete the order form below and return it with your deposit to Mrs. Yancey. For your convenience, orders may also be placed online using a credit card. Please visit www.jostensyearbooks.com to order your 2014 Amariah Yearbook online. Contact Mrs. Yancey at syancey@mecs.org if you have any questions. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Please reserve my copy of the 2014 Amariah Yearbook. Student Name: Grade:

Telephone #:

Number of yearbooks:

Slide show pictures are due as soon as possible. We are hoping to get between 10-12 pictures from every student. If you have any questions please email Mr. Brown at gbrown@m-ecs.org or Mrs. Clark at tclark@m-ecs.org

Amount enclosed: $

January 20th - No School, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day February 6th - Half Day Superintendent’s Day February 17th - 21st - No School, Mid-Winter Break SCHOOL PERSONNEL: Michael Drahos, Superintendent Debra Everson, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Support Services Christopher Brewer, M/HS Principal Debra Dushko, Elementary Principal Molly Wheaton, CSE Chairperson Chris Doroshenko, Coordinator of Athletics Tina Hankins, Head Bus Driver Janine Anderalli, Guidance Counselor Michele Cesta, Guidance Counselor Shelly Kempton, Social Worker Ann Marie Martorana, M/H School Nurse Mary Ellen Burt, Elementary Nurse

Regular Board of Education Meeting Monday, January 27, 2014 Middle/High School Library 7:00 PM Public Welcome

SCHOOL PHONE NUMBERS: District Office..................................... 684-9300 Business Office.................................. 684-9158 Middle/High School Office................ 684-9121 Elementary School Office.................. 684-9288 Special Programs Office.................... 684-3639 Head Bus Driver................................ 684-3014 Guidance Office................................. 684-9196 M/H School Nurse............................. 684-5903 M/H School Maintenance.................. 684-5908

SCHOOL ADDRESS: Morrisville-Eaton Central School P.O. Box 990 Morrisville, NY 13408

WEBSITE: WWW.M-ECS.ORG

Morrisville-Eaton Central School P. O. Box 990 Morrisville, New York 13408

BOARD OF EDUCATION: Jacalyn Groves, President Nichole Doroshenko, Vice-President Murry Ames Leslie Ashcraft Marian Whitney

January 2014

FAX NUMBERS: District Office.....................684-9399 Business Office..................684-9171 M/H School Office.............684-7033 Elem. School Office...........684-7252 Guidance Office.................684-9192

BULK RATE U. S. Postage Paid Morrisville, NY 13408 Permit #9 Non-Profit Organization

Postal Customer or Rural Route Box Holder ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED