Union Springs Central School District - April 2016 Newsletter

APRIL 2016 2016 SCHOLASTIC ART AWARDS The Scholastic Art Awards is the largest national art competition in the country. This year, approximately 2,000 students in grades 7 through 12 in over 100 schools across 13 Central New York counties submitted around 5,500 pieces of art into the competition. After a two-day judging process with 50 judges comprised of professional artists, educators, and photographers, only 800-900 pieces in 14 categories were awarded a Gold Key, Silver Key, or Honorable Mention. The Gold Key winners will move on to the national level.

Emily Irving, “Light” - Gold Key

Mackenzie Murphy, “Focused” - Gold Key

This year, students at Union Springs Central School District garnered 24 awards: five Gold Key, 10 Silver Key, and nine Honorable Mentions. This is quite impressive considering Union Springs CSD is very small in comparison to other districts. The Scholastic Art exhibit will be on display May 17-20 in the Union Springs High School library.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNERS!

Meyson Paz, “A Mayan Treasure” - Gold Key

Hannah Shaw, “Window To Your Soul” - Gold Key

Meyson Paz, “Sarah” - Gold Key

Bailey Burr, “In It To End It” - Silver Key

Union Springs Central School District | 239 Cayuga Street | (315) 889-4101 | www.unionspringscsd.org

Union Springs Central School DISTRICT | SpringBoard

LETTER FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT How does one thank a community?

Giving thanks for the privilege you bestowed upon the district in allowing us to borrow the money to renovate the A.J. Smith Elementary School is no small task. However, I do want to say, “thank you.” Thank you for being there; for coming to meetings, reading the newsletters, and engaging in a dialogue with your neighbors and friends. Thank you for attending the forums and asking genuine questions. Thank you for the invites to speak to the different community groups, and thank you for letting us leave posters around town. Thank you for the phone calls, office drop–ins, emails, and absentee ballot requests. Thank you for sharing your passion and interest in making the future of the Union Springs Central School District as promising as possible for our students. Thank you for coming out and voting despite a magnificent rainbow and lightning and thunder that night. Thank you to Gert and Joyce who signed all of you in to vote. (We had 49 more voters than last year’s budget vote!) Because of you, we will be able to create a learning environment that will ensure that our students learn and grow in a modern educational facility for years to come.

Because our community came together over the past year, and really worked to provide meaningful insights into the project, we accomplished something few communities can claim. We have created a generational moment to give our children something that reflects our community’s values and pride in the education we afford each child. The years ahead will be ones of reflection, but also optimism. We will honor the role Cayuga Elementary has played in the history of our school community while at the same time build the future together. I am honored to serve as your superintendent, and look forward to the work in the school-years to come.

AERIAL RENDERING OF A.J. SMITH ELEMENTARY

Existing

New Construction

A.J. SMITH ELEMENTARY GYMNASIUM RENDERING

RENDERING OF NEW MEDIA CENTER AT A.J. SMITH

Educationally Yours,

Jarett Powers

RENDERING OF NEW MEDIA CENTER AT A.J. SMITH

Union Springs Central School District | 239 Cayuga Street | (315) 889-4101 | www.unionspringscsd.org

april 2016

LETTER FROM THE HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL What a difference a year makes.

In last year’s April newsletter, I talked about the relentlessly cold temperatures, the ongoing snow pack, and the broken weather records. This year, in many ways, has been the polar opposite as our temperatures in general have been above normal and the amount of snow we have received has been just over half of that from last year.

As we look forward to the last third of the school year, it is important to monitor your child’s progress in all of their classes. School Tool is accessible through our website – please contact the high school guidance office with any questions. Also, contact Mrs. Darnell in the guidance office to schedule meetings for next year or to get some help with college applications and financial aid forms.

We recently held two parent information nights, and one of the presentations focused on the heroin epidemic in our area. Mr. Kevin Hares, Mr. Lon Fricano, Dr. David Dinello, and Sheriff David Gould all did a wonderful job presenting information on various aspects of drug use and addiction. The high school and middle school extend a huge thank you for their time and expertise!

The second presentation outlined the partnership between Cayuga Community College (CCC) and Union Springs Central School District. The high school now has the ability to offer all CCC courses taken at the high school for FREE. We also have the ability to offer two college degree pathways through CCC. In total, we can offer 28 college courses through CCC, two courses through SUNY Oswego, two courses through SUNY Brockport, as well as AP Psychology, AP Calculus, and AP English.

April and May are both very busy months at the high school. First, the spring sports season is in full swing with weekly games, matches, and meets. Please check the athletic calendar on our website for more sporting events. Spring break falls late this year, April 25-29.

The vacation is followed by AP exams the week of May 2, the Yorkers Trip from May 5-7, and the Junior Prom on Saturday, May 21. Please check the school calendar for more events.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us at the high school.

Sincerely, Chuck Walker High School Principal (315) 889-4110

SCHOLASTIC ART AWARDS

Connor Siracusa, “Day Dreaming” - Silver Key

Lauren Cunningham, “Ski Mask” - Silver Key

Alexandria Nemo, “Olivia” - Silver Key

Emily Irving, “Recycle” - Silver Key

Union Springs Central School District | 239 Cayuga Street | (315) 889-4101 | www.unionspringscsd.org

Union Springs Central School DISTRICT | SpringBoard

LETTER FROM THE MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL Typically, the spring semester is a time for everyone to shake off their cabin fever and get outdoors again. This year, we had weather that never really amounted to much of a winter. For the first time in several seasons, we get to see our athletic teams practicing outside right away!

Along with a new athletic season, April brings many more events to the middle school.

Students will take their ELA and Math NYS assessments, which have undergone some impactful changes for this year. Students will see fewer questions on both the ELA and Math assessments and all parts of ELA and Math will be untimed this year. Essentially, students are able to take as long as they need on each part of the assessment, as long as they are working productively.

The data from these assessments is used to see how the programming we offer our students is enhancing learning and achievement at the middle school, much in the way data around class grades, attendance, and discipline is used. The ELA assessment runs from April 5-7 and the Math assessment runs from April 13-15.

On April 20, the middle school will host a visit from author Gordon Korman. Students have been reading books by Mr. Korman over the last few weeks and will have an opportunity to hear from the author and interact with him on this day.

time for a recess period, but our students work hard all day and need that time to let loose and relax. When weather permits, students will be able to spend some time on the track and fields during lunch. Additionally, both our seventh and eighth grade classes will attend trips in May. Please visit the middle school website in the coming weeks for more information about these and other upcoming events.

Respectfully, Michael Wurster Middle School Principal (315) 889-4112

SCHOLASTIC ART AWARDS

Joan Hodges, “Dormant” - Silver Key

As April comes to a close, we will be on Spring Break April 25-29, and the fifth marking period will conclude the week after break. If you have not already done so, I recommend you reach out to Ms. Merrill and set up an appointment to discuss your child’s schedule for next year. The middle school will offer students increased extracurricular activities and some new courses in the 2016-17 school year. Your scheduled meeting with Ms. Merrill is also a good time to talk about different ways to get involved during your child’s time in middle school.

As the weather warms up, I will start letting the middle school students go outside for part of their lunch period. The schedule this year did not allow enough

Emily Palmer, “Poise” - Silver Key

Union Springs Central School District | 239 Cayuga Street | (315) 889-4101 | www.unionspringscsd.org

april 2016

ATHLETICS Throughout the winter season, Union Springs athletes excelled on the court, track, and alleys, turning in some impressive performances along the way. Our boys and girls basketball teams are young and energetic, and they continued to improve throughout the season.

Individually, Michaela Tanner, Renee Park, Nick Valentino, and Austin Quick were recognized by the league for their play. In addition, a unique highlight of the season was playing a Coaches vs. Cancer game at Wells College in January.

The games played that evening raised a great deal of funds toward a very worthy cause.

Our bowling team had some great individual performances over the winter. Zach Bobbett had the highest average in the entire league, 219, and he earned First Team All-League honors. Jacob Maltese heated up at the right time scoring his first 700 series in the IAC Championships and winning first place.

Notwithstanding the others accomplishments, on the track is where USCS dominated this winter. Over half of the team qualified for sectional competition, and we had three champions. Hannah Yorkey won the 3000 meter race, and Evan DeGraw defended his championship from the prior season winning the 600 meter race. Evan also was the anchor on the 3200 meter relay team with Zach Balog, Jared Wilmot, and Justin Janes. He won a sectional crown, as well.

However, Evan’s season was not over there. He continued on to the State Qualifier and won the 600 meter race, which advanced him to the State Championship race. In an exciting duel between the finest runners in New York State, Evan DeGraw became Union Springs’ first Indoor Track State Champion and second State Champion overall. (Mike Howell was a State Champion in the High Jump.)

ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME The Union Springs Athletic Hall of Fame will have two inductees this year. The individual inductee will be Corinne Bowman, who was a three-sport athlete playing soccer, basketball, and softball.

As a soccer goalie, Corinne holds Union Springs’ career record with 30 shutouts. She was a member of the 1994 Section IV Class Championship as well as the 1995 IAC Championship. She was named to the IAC All-Star team for four consecutive years. In basketball, she led her team in scoring and setting a school record career point total. She received the Most Improved Player Award as a sophomore and then the Most Valuable Player Award as a junior and senior. She was also named to the IAC All-Star team as a junior and senior. In softball, Corinne played first base and shortstop, and was the team MVP her senior year.

Corinne continued to excel at the collegiate level at Broome Community College and the University of Tulsa. She will be known as one of the greatest athletes to ever play at Union Springs.

Our team induction this year is the volleyball team of 1978, coached by Meta Riester. This team not only dominated the hardwood in 1978, but was able to capture their third consecutive IAC Championship that year. In ’78 they had a league record of 13-1 and overall record of 22-5. Team members include: Dolores Waldron, Sarah Frackelton, Diana Robinson, Elaine Hill, Kelly West, Tam Ray, Elaine Kramer, Amy Costello, Renee DeVore, and Mary Gaffney.

This year’s Hall of Fame dinner and induction ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 14 in the Union Springs Gymnasium. For tickets, please call the Athletics Office at 889-4136.

Congratulations to all of our winter athletes. Your hard work, dedication to your sport, and commitment to USCS athletics are appreciated.

Go Wolves!

Todd Salls, Athletic Coordinator (315) 889-4136

EVAN DEGRAW, 2016 INDOOR TRACK STATE CHAMPION

Union Springs Central School District | 239 Cayuga Street | (315) 889-4101 | www.unionspringscsd.org

Union Springs Central School DISTRICT | SpringBoard

LETTER FROM THE A.J. SMITH PRINCIPAL Happy spring to everyone! The A.J. students sure didn’t mind the easy winter as we were able to go outside for lunch recess many days. Some classes have snuck outside on these early spring days for extra walks and to work outside in the sun.

Several of our students volunteered to read their written pieces during our recent Literary Lunch where the regular lunch room atmosphere is spruced up with tablecloths and flowers, the lights are dimmed, and students take center stage to read their writing. What a great way to practice public speaking (in our safe, caring environment)!

March 2 was national Read Across America Day in honor of Dr. Seuss’ birthday. Our annual read-in was enjoyed by all staff and students. Every year, we stop what we are doing, and everyone (including grown-ups) sits in the hallways and reads for 30 minutes. What better way to recognize the importance of reading everyday but to have everyone in the building reading together at the same time.

Since our last newsletter, A.J. has gathered together for three assemblies. The first gathering gave us a chance to enjoy the Middle and High Schoolers’ visit to share a sneak peak from the musical Grease. The second time we gathered was for a Community Meeting where we inducted our second squad of Safety Patrollers, sang along with a YouTube video (watch me read, and turn the pages) and acted out the book Promise. The book illustrated how one person’s actions of planting acorns across a city can change everyone’s environment. It is just one example of how our A.J. staff always tries to model for students that their simple actions can make a big difference in the world. The final gathering was to enjoy the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse’s Echoes Competition featuring one of our student’s pieces of work!

We are very excited to welcome our visiting author, Gordon Korman, who is coming to visit on April 20! Ms. Willey, Mrs. Ryan, and I have been sharing our favorite

stories written by Mr. Korman so the students will be familiar with his work when he arrives. Many students received copies of his books as prizes for answering trivia questions correctly about 39 Clues, The Maze of Bones. One student won a whole book basket for finding Ben Franklin in downtown Union Springs!

Lastly, I would like to congratulate our Choralairs for singing and representing A.J. Smith so well at the Syracuse Crunch game! You made your parents and me very proud!

Look for our 5K Club on the streets as we prepare for three different races!

Sincerely, Karen Burcroff A.J. Smith Elementary Principal (315) 889-7102

Above: Students and teachers sit in the hallways and read for 30 minutes for A.J. Smith’s annual school-wide “read-in” for Read Across America Day on March 2.

GROWTH MINDSET A.J. Smith has adopted a growth mindset; the idea that we can grow our brain’s capacity to learn and to solve problems. Skills are not static, but are able to be strengthened through effort, practice, and determination.

To facilitate this, we ask that you carefully choose the words you use when praising kids. For more information, please visit the Growth Mindset page on A.J.’s homepage, www.unionspringscsd.org/ajsmith.

Union Springs Central School District | 239 Cayuga Street | (315) 889-4101 | www.unionspringscsd.org

april 2016

LETTER FROM THE CAYUGA ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL We were quite fortunate to have dodged much snow this winter, and now we have turned the page to what hopes to be a fabulous spring and summer!

Students have been engaged in a new ELA curriculum, 1:1 use of technology with a daily dose of a computer software program titled Imagine Learning, and instrumental band for all third graders.

Left: Cayuga Elementary Pre-K students enjoyed visiting the mobile planetarium during their computer lab time in February.

Needless to say good things are taking place at Cayuga Elementary, and we are very proud of our progress this school year. With the help of all of the aforementioned items, Cayuga has been immersed in making each minute of the day count.

Cayuga Elementary has a great deal of bucket fillers; Above: Miss Riester and members of the Junior Grange students who do the right thing each day. They are presented each third grader with a dictionary. The students recognized weekly for their good deeds. Student of the were thrilled and thanked them for their thoughtfulness.

Month celebrations continue to take place as well, with students recognized for their ability to adhere to the character trait of the month.

Below are some upcoming events that we will be looking forward to: • Author Visit, Gordon Korman - April 20 • Curriculum Fair - May 10 • Roadway to School Safety during physical education classes. Each student will be introduced to safe pedestrian and bicycle skills.

Enjoy the longer days and warmer weather. We hope to see you all out and about within the district!

Warmest Regards, Sheila LaDouce Cayuga Elementary Principal (315) 889-4170

Above: Students coming to Mrs. LoMascolo’s computer classes are excited to see the progress of the pineapple plant.

This plant was started from the top of a pineapple from the supermarket and has produced two little pineapples.

PRE-K & KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION If you have a child who is eligible to attend preschool (4-yearsold by Dec. 1, 2016) or kindergarten (5-years-old by Dec. 1, 2016) in the 2016-2017 school year, please contact Jennifer Henry at (315) 889-4170 or jhenry@unionspringscsd.org.

Union Springs Central School District | 239 Cayuga Street | (315) 889-4101 | www.unionspringscsd.org

Union Springs Central School DISTRICT | SpringBoard

SCHOLASTIC ART AWARDS

Emily Irving, “Devoid” - Silver Key

Emily Irving, “Self Portrait” - Silver Key Meyson Paz, “Deep Into the Shadows” - Silver Key

Tori Trufant, “Darkness Surrounds Me” Honorable Mention

Cassie Brown, “Maya” - Honorable Mention

Dominic Lomascolo, “Up To Something” - Honorable Mention

Abigail Salico, “Stress” - Honorable Mention

Bailey Burr, “Break the Ice” Honorable Mention

Gracie Groesbeck, “Rust” - Honorable Mention

Union Springs Central School District | 239 Cayuga Street | (315) 889-4101 | www.unionspringscsd.org

april 2016

SCHOLASTIC ART AWARDS

Baylee Wiler, “Who’s There” - Honorable Mention

Cassie Brown, “A Pause in Paradise” - Honorable Mention

Emily Irving, “Grandpa George” Honorable Mention

LITERACY PLC The Union Springs Literacy PLC once again teamed up with the Frontenac Museum and Historical Society and the Kohl’s A-Team to co-host their annual Read Across America Celebration! The annual event is held to motivate students and families and build awareness about the importance of reading. Every year the Literacy PLC co-sponsors the event on or around March 2, which is the birthday of the beloved children’s author Dr. Seuss. All students who attend the evening event go home with a hard-cover book and have a chance at winning a stuffed animal raffle prize. This year students learned about old-time fishing gear, played games in the gym, listened to stories, made puppets, and decorated a tissue paper chameleon.

Thanks to our community friends for continuing to

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY During the month of March, members of the National Honor Society sold green and gold shamrocks to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). Shamrocks were displayed in the MS/HS library and more than $675 was raised for MDA. In addition to their fundraising efforts, the National Honor Society hosted a blood drive on March 17. Approximately 25 student donors participated in this event which helped save almost 60 lives!

partner with our Literacy PLC for the benefit of our PreK-6 students!

SHAKESPEARE CONTEST Connor Coleman won Honorable Mention at the English Speaking Union’s Syracuse Regional Shakespeare Contest on Saturday, March 5. She placed third out of 135 students representing 19 schools. Connor performed a monologue from the balcony scene of Romeo and Juliet and a sassy rendition of Sonnet 121.

Congratulations, Connor!

Union Springs Central School District | 239 Cayuga Street | (315) 889-4101 | www.unionspringscsd.org

Union Springs Central School DISTRICT | SpringBoard

MS/HS MUSICAL: GREASE

Photos by: Glenn Gaston, www.glenngaston.com

This year’s MS/HS musical, Grease, was a smash hit!

Students performed to a packed house Thursday, March 10, and the shows on Friday and Saturday, March 11 and 12 sold out! Special arrangements with Warner/ Chappell Music allowed this production to perform songs from the film version not usually done on stage, including the title song Grease, You’re the One That I Want, and Hopelessly Devoted to You. “A huge thank you to everyone who attended and helped make this show possible,” said Director Nicholas Bessette.

For a full list of cast members, the production team, more photos from the show, senior bios, and much more, please go to the high school or middle school homepages on www.unionspringscsd.org and visit the theater page.

April 20

Board Meeting

June 1

MS/HS Band Concert

April 25-29

Spring Break

June 13

AJ Spring Concert

June 15

Cayuga Spring Concert, K&1

June 16

Cayuga Spring Concert, 2&3

June 20

Board Meeting

June 21

5th Grade Graduation

June 22

6th Grade Graduation

June 26

Class of 2016 Graduation

May 9 Budget Hearing Board Meeting May 17

Budget Vote

May 17-20

PreK-12 Art Show

May 23

Board Meeting

May 30

No School - Memorial Day

May 31

MS/HS Chorus Concert

For more events, go to www.unionspringscsd.org.

Union Springs Central School District | 239 Cayuga Street | (315) 889-4101 | www.unionspringscsd.org

april 2016

ANNOUNCEMENTS Attention 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.

Booster Club: The Booster Club strives to provide support and raise funds that will help ALL Union Springs MS/HS groups, including those related to arts and academics. We meet the third Monday of each month at 7pm in the HS Art Room. If you are interested in joining, please contact Chris Markham at cmarkham@unionspringscsd.org.

Kathryn Joy After Prom Committee: Our Kathryn Joy After Prom Committee meets at the HS the second Tuesday of every month at 7pm. All parents of the Junior Class are welcome! Any questions, please contact Mellissa Quick at mquick1@rochester.rr.com.

Parent Teacher Organization (PTO): The PTO consists of parents, teachers, and school staff within the district whose efforts serve to enhance and maximize the education of every child. We meet the first Wednesday of every month at one of our district’s elementary schools. If you are interested in joining, please contact one of our district’s elementary school offices.

pre-k - 12 art show reception tuesday, may 17, 2016 6-8 pm high school library Artwork will be on display May 17 - 20.

Open Positions at Unions Springs CSD: Interested persons should send required info. to: Superintendent Jarett Powers 239 Cayuga Street Union Springs, NY 13160 Substitute Teachers* Please send Letter of Interest, Resume, and Certification.

Non-Certified Substitute Teacher - $88 per day Certified Substitute Teacher - $95 per day Substitute Cleaners* & School Bus Drivers* Please send Letter of Interest and Resume.

BUS DRIVERS REQUIRE CDL B-PS LICENSE. *Must have NYSED fingerprint clearance prior to Board of Education appointment. For more information call the District Office at (315) 889-4100.

Applications can be downloaded from our website, www.unionspringscsd.org.

budget VOTE tuesday, may 17, 2016 12-9 pm high school lobby For an absentee ballot, call (315) 889-4100.

VOTER PRE-REGISTRATION TUESDAY, MAY 3, 2016 3-7 PM DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM

Union Springs Central School District | 239 Cayuga Street | (315) 889-4101 | www.unionspringscsd.org

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5th Grade Graduation

Check out more district news and events on our website:

MS/HS at 7pm

6th Grade Graduation MS/HS at 7pm

Class of 2016 Graduation MS/HS Auditorium

www.unionspringscsd.org

Contact Us: 239 Cayuga Street Union Springs, NY 13160

UNION SPRINGS CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT 239 Cayuga Street Union Springs, NY 13160

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