Sidney Nov 08

November 2008 Volume 12, Issue 1

www.sidneycsd.org

District Newsletter

Central SchoolsSIDNEYSIDNEY

Join Us In Rachel’s ChallengeOn November 4, our Middle and High

School students experienced a moving assembly program about a girl named Rachel Scott. Rachel Joy Scott was the first person killed at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999. Rachel’s acts of kindness and compassion coupled with

the contents of her six diaries have become the foundation for one of the most life-changing school programs in America, Rachel’s Challenge.

Rachel’s Challenge, designed to motivate our students to positive change in the way they treat others, was sponsored by the Sidney Middle School PTSO and supported through generous donations from MWV, Sidney United Way, Sons of the American Revolution, Elks Lodge, Rotary, and VFW. Powerful footage of Rachel's life and the Columbine tragedy held students, as well as community members, spell-bound during school assemblies and during an evening presentation.

Students were asked to accept Rachel’s Challenge to eliminate prejudice, dare to dream, choose their influences, to use kind words, and to start a chain reaction with family and friends. Members of the Middle School Peer Mediation and Student Council were also trained on how to continue the momentum from the assemblies and form a Friends of Rachel Club.

Rachel encouraged people to not prejudge others. She felt that if you looked for the best in others, that you would indeed find it. Often times we look for the worst in others and too often find it. Rachel believed that you could eliminate prejudice by looking for the best in others.

A Harvard study was cited in reference to goal setting. Only 3% of students actually wrote their goals down vs. 97% that did not. Ten years later, the same 3% of students earned 10 times more than the other 97% combined and were considered to be people that clearly were making a difference in their world. Students were encouraged to dream and set goals to accomplish those dreams and to keep a journal so that they could reflect upon the progress that they had made towards their dream.

Students were asked to carefully choose their influences as the input often determines the output. If our students

surround themselves with positive influences, it is reflected in their actions.

Rachel firmly believed that small acts of kindness can have a huge impact. Rachel, in fact, went out of her way to be kind to students with disabilities, new students, and students that were picked on or put down. Several examples of how her kindness made a huge impact on others were provided.

Finally, Rachel believed that if one person were to go out of his/her way to show compassion, that it would start a chain reaction of the same. People will never know how far a little kindness can go.

The Sidney Middle School PTSO would like to thank our generous supporters for enabling us to bring this powerful program to Sidney and encourage our students and community to continue the chain reaction of kindness.

More information about this program can be found at rachelschallenge.com.

Sidney Central School District2

Autumn Textures PoetryAt the Elementary School,

teachers Ms. Neal (art) and Mrs. Fisher (fourth grade), are collaborating with writing and art. Mrs. Fisher's students have been learning to write

free verse poetry with the theme being Autumn Textures. They have done a beautiful job learning about two of the important traits in good writing: word choice and voice. To illustrate their poetry, they are working with Ms. Neal to sketch landscape drawings and then using watercolor paints to complete their illustrations. They learned about using foreground, middle ground and background in their landscape to create the i l lusion of distance. They also learned to mix the paints with water to make them transparent. Here is an example of one student's poem:

Autumn TexturesBy Alexis Palmeter

I like the feel of fall…Fall, like shivering, wilting,

colorless, flowers in the cold autumn wind.

Fall leaves, yellow, brown and different shades of orange and red crunch and crackle beneath my feet as I walk along the sidewalk.

Orange and dark shades of red chipmunks and squirrels scurry along the yard to gather brown, crunchy acorns for winter.

Colorful birds and their beautiful baby chicks fly south for winter.

Fall winds bring cold white frosts.Bright colorful leaves, bring bundled up

children with tan, oak handled leave rakes.Juicy, tan, and white smoked turkey and

chicken dinners bring in people for the jolly holidays.

Fall, brightly colored season.

We all share the same priority—the education of our students. They are our future, and it is our responsibility to give them the best education possible. Our District’s mission is challenging students to achieve their greatest potential, and we strive to continually improve how we meet their needs both in and out of the classroom.

Today we are faced with troubling economic times. Families are struggling to make ends meet, and the school district is facing the same problems. The state budget is in crisis, and there are concerns that our state aid will be impacted. An article in the New York State School Boards Association’s publication On Board reported the following on November 3:

Governor David Paterson says the potential budget gap facing New York next year has soared to $12.5 billion. That’s up 95% since an official July 30 budget update and represents almost 10% of the total budget. Paterson, in an October 28 fiscal update, said that to deal with the projected deficit, “there will be hard and painful (spending) cuts. There is no segment of this budget that will not be cut.” Thus far, school aid has escaped budget cuts. It had been scheduled to grow by $2.2 billion next year.

Meanwhile, state officials said that the Employee’s Retirement System, which covers most non-instructional school employees, has lost about $30 billion since March when it was worth $154 billion. The state’s Teacher Retirement System fund has lost $7 billion since June when it was worth $95 billion. Those losses could eventually lead to higher employer contributions.

Paterson has ordered the state Legislature into session on November 18 to make further cuts to this year’s budget that has already been trimmed by about $1 billion. The governor has said that he wants another $2 billion in cuts to this year’s budget.As we said last year, we have a responsibility to find

balance between the cost of providing an outstanding educational program and anticipated revenue. While it was a difficult year last year, our budget forecast for this year is worse. Our preliminary review identifies a deeper gap between expenditures and anticipated revenues than we have ever experienced before looking at the possibility of no state aid increase for next year.

Therefore, we will once again have to face some difficult decisions. We will examine our budget closely and strive to find balance without impacting our programs. However, we anticipate that programs may be impacted next year due to the gravity of the situation. If you have ideas on possible budget cuts, I would welcome your input. We will be scheduling community forums in the future, and I encourage you to attend.

—Sandra M. Cooper, Superintendent of Schools

Superintendent’s Message

Finding Balance . . . A Continuing Challenge!

Sidney Central School District 3

Board CornerIt takes an entire community to raise a child—African proverb

Many of us have heard this adage before. But at this time of year, we find it to be particularly relevant. Another school year is underway, and this year we have our first class of pre-schoolers under the new Pre-K program. For them, it is just the start of an exciting journey. At the other extreme, we have the class of 2009. For them, this will be their final year in high school before they move on to work, join the military, or continue their education elsewhere.

In between those two groups are over a thousand other students. Each and every one of them with hopes and fears, special talents and most of all, dreams for the future.

Each of us has an important part to play in helping our children realize those dreams. No one would deny that a great teacher can forever change a life. But even the best teacher cannot do it aIl alone. It takes parents, teachers, administrators, support staff, neighbors, community leaders, board members and friends all working together to help make sure that those dreams are realized.

As the recent financial crisis has pointed out, it can indeed be a cold, cruel world out there. Resources are being stretched at every level from families trying to afford food, to those watching their college savings evaporate . . . all of us are feeling the impact of tougher times.

As a district, we are not immune to many of those same challenges. Costs for transportation and heating have seen significant increases despite wise purchasing and conservation efforts. Health care costs are continuing to rise.

And as we all know, New York State’s finances are in disarray as well. The crisis on Wall Street and its impact on the State’s fortunes have made a bad situation even worse. Governor Paterson has flatly stated that significant budget cuts must be made across the board. That is certain to translate into less State aid for our district going forward.

But all is not lost if we keep that old proverb foremost in our hearts and minds.

Confidential ReportingTROOP C of the New York State Police reminds

people of the creation of the toll-free line for the confidential reporting of potentially dangerous situations. This system, housed at Troop C Headquarters, is answered by a machine which is regularly checked by police officials. This system is not designated for callers reporting an immediate threat; such calls should be reported to “911” or other appropriate emergency service providers. The phone number, 1-866-535-5599 is available on posters placed in the school districts and also through school district publications.

Riders of the MonthSeptember Outstanding Riders of the Month are:

Elementary SchoolCody Rowden

Zaniel BurrowsKevin Bockus

Danika HarveyGlennda Goble

Daniel CalkinsHailly Gopel

Maggie SchottCrystal BivarRandy Hughs

Middle SchoolShana Gascon

High SchoolJosh Taft Nam Kim

For it is in difficult times such as these that we come to realize the true value of the collective human spirit. It is a value far greater than any amount of money. If we continue to work together to help each of our students realize his or her potential, there is no obstacle that cannot be overcome.

Although the school year has only just begun, in a few short weeks we will be starting the budget process once again. We feel that last year’s efforts to solicit input and communicate recommendations went extremely well. Many of the suggestions made in staff and community presentations were reflected in the final proposed budget. Some decisions were more difficult than others, but no one can deny that it was a collective effort made after considerable discussion. Most importantly, the voters supported the output of that process.

As representatives of the community at large, the Board of Education’s role is to put a budget before the voters that is fiscally responsible while at the same time allowing us to achieve our shared goal of helping each student realize his or her full potential.

Looking ahead at what is certain to be an even more challenging year, we ask for you to again become engaged and participate in the process. Community presentations will be held in the coming months well in advance of any final proposed budget and your participation is critical.

It is our collective responsibility to make the decisions that will help turn our children’s dreams into reality. No one group, including the Board of Education, can accomplish this alone. Today’s economic crisis will make it even more important for us to work in concert with that shared objective as our ultimate goal. As another old adage states, two heads are better than one.

—Gary Schoonover, Board of Education


Homecoming 2008

NYS Exams in Middle SchoolBelow are dates to help you plan appointments during the school year for your Middle School student.

January 20-23—Grades 6, 7 & 8 ELA ExamMarch 9-13—Grades 6, 7 & 8 Math Exam

April 8-May 6—Grade 8 Science Performance TestApril 29-May 8—Grade 8 Science Written Test

June 2-3—Grade 8 Social Studies TestYou can help us increase our attendance during these exam periods by planning appointments for after

1:00 p.m. on the above dates. Thank you in advance for your consideration and cooperation. Middle School After School Help Program

The Middle School After School Help Program started on Tuesday, November 4. It will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:15-4:15 p.m. There will be a late bus for those who are normally bus students.


District Communication GuidelinesFrequently, parents and other community members request help in knowing the best way to communicate

with the school. The communications guideline chart below will serve as a helpful resource. By contacting the following people in the prescribed order, questions will be answered more efficiently.

For Questions About 1st Contact 2nd Contact 3rd Contact 4th Contact

Academics Teacher Guidance Counselor Building Principal Superintendent

Athletics Coach Athletic Director Superintendent

Behavior Teacher Building Principal Superintendent

BOE Policies District Clerk Superintendent Board of Education

Budget Business Manager Superintendent

Building Use Building Principal Supt. Bldgs. & Grounds Business Manager Superintendent

Cafeteria Cafeteria Manager Business Manager Superintendent

Classroom Procedures Teacher Building Principal Superintendent

Co-Curricular Advisor Building Principal Superintendent

Curriculum Teacher Building Principal Dist. Curriculum Coordinator Superintendent

Facilities Supt. Bldgs. & Grounds Business Manager Superintendent

Health Office Building Nurse Building Principal Superintendent

Scheduling Teacher Guidance Counselor Building Principal Superintendent

Special Education Teacher CSE Chair District Admin. forSpecial Programs Superintendent

Transportation Bus Driver Director of Transportation Business Manager Superintendent

Telephone NumbersBoard of Education ........................ 563-2135, ext. 4275Superintendent .............................. 563-2125, ext. 4275Business Manager .......................... 563-2135, ext. 4271District Clerk .................................. 563-2135, ext. 4275Transportation ................................................ 563-3162Buildings and Grounds ................. 563-2135, ext. 4232High School .................................... 563-2135, ext. 4250High School Guidance .................. 563-2135, ext. 4256High School Nurse ........................ 563-2135, ext. 4254Middle School ................................ 563-2135, ext. 4226

Middle School Guidance ............... 563-2135, ext. 4113Middle School Nurse .................... 563-2135, ext. 4231Elementary School ......................... 563-2135, ext. 4200Elementary Guidance .................... 563-2135, ext. 4200Elementary Nurse .......................... 563-2135, ext. 4204Special Education .......................... 563-2135, ext. 4044School Lunch Program .................. 563-2135, ext. 4264Athletic Office ................................ 563-2135, ext. 4740Curriculum Office ......................... 563-2135, ext. 4735


Notes from the School NursesThe district’s School Health Services program supports

your student’s academic success by promoting health in the school setting. One way that we provide care for your student is by performing the health screenings as mandated by the State of New York.

During this school year, the following screenings will be required or completed at school:Vision• Distance acuity for all newly entering students and

students in Kindergarten, Grades 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 and 10.• Near vision acuity, hyperopia and color perception

screening for all newly entering students.Hearing• Hearingscreeningforallnewlyenteringstudentsand

students in Kindergarten, Grades 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10.Scoliosis • Scoliosis(spinalcurvature)screeningforallstudents

in Grades 5-9.Health Appraisals• Aphysicalexamination includingBodyMass Index

and Weight Status Category Information is required for all newly entering students and students in Kindergarten, Grades 2, 4, 7 and 10.A letter will be sent home if there are any findings on

the screening done at school that would cause concern or need medical follow-up. Please call the school’s Health Office if you have any questions or concerns.

Ruth Boyce—Elementary Nurse, 563-2135, ext. 4204Susan Smith—MS Nurse, 563-2135, ext. 4231Lynne Dionne—HS Nurse/Teacher, 563-2135, ext. 4254

SES Family Dinner NightFamilies were treated to dinner and games on

September 22. We had a very large crowd of approximately 700 people. Everyone enjoyed a great time!

Annual FERPA Notification

Notice to parents and eligible students of rights under the family educational rights and privacy act.

To: Parents and Eligible Students of the Sidney Central School District:

You are notified that you have the following rights in relation to student records:1. The right to inspect and review a student’s

educational records.2. The school district shall limit the disclosure

of information contained in the student’s education record except: (a) by prior written consent of the student’s parents or an eligible student, (b) directory information, or (c) under certain limited circumstances, as permitted by FERPA.

3. The right of a student’s parents or an eligible student to seek to correct parts of the student’s education records which he or she believes to be inaccurate, misleading or in violation of the student’s rights. These rights include the right to a hearing to present evidence that the records should be changed if the district decides not to alter it according to the parents’ or an eligible student’s request.

4. The right of any person to file a complaint with the Department of Education if the school district violates FERPA.

5. If either a student’s parents or an eligible student desires to obtain copies of the policy pertaining to student records, notification should be presented to the appropriate Building Principal, Sidney Central School District, Sidney, New York 13838.

All rights and protections given to parents under the FERPA and this policy transfer to the student when he or she reaches age 18 or enrolls in a post-secondary school. The student then becomes an eligible student.

Swim Suits NeededThe pool is looking for 'gently used' swim

wear that can be used for students who forget to bring their suits. For girls, we are looking for one piece suits, sizes 5/6, 7/8 or larger. For the boys we are looking for Bermuda styled shorts in sizes Small to X-large. The suits can be dropped off at the pool or the Elementary School Office.


Body Mass Index (BMI) and Weight Status Reporting

The rapid increase in overweight children and adolescents is generating widespread concern and obesity is a problem of epidemic proportions in our youth. Overweight and obesity are major risk factors for chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, osteoporosis and some cancers.

As part of a required school health examination, a student is weighed and his/her height is measured. These numbers are used to figure out the student’s body mass index or ‘BMI’. The BMI helps the doctor or nurse know if the student’s weight is in a healthy range or is too high or too low. Recent changes to the NYS Education Law require that BMI and weight status group be included as part of the student’s school health examination. Next year our district will be required to report to the NYS Department of Health information about our students’ weight status group. Only summary information is required. No names and no information about individual students will be sent. However, you may choose to have your child’s information excluded from this survey report.

We hope you will agree to participate because the information will help health officials develop programs that make it easier for children to be healthier.

Community Aquatic ProgramFall Session (September 8-December 19)

MondayAdult Lap Swim, 6:15-7:30 a.m.

Community Swim, 6:00-8:00 p.m.Tuesday

Adult Lap Swim, 6:15-7:30 a.m.Wednesday

Adult Lap Swim, 6:15-7:30 a.m.Community Swim, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

ThursdayAdult Lap Swim, 6:15-7:30 a.m.

FridayAdult Lap Swim, 6:15-7:30 a.m.

Community Swim, 6:00-8:00 p.m.Pool Use Fees

There are two options for the community use of the SCSD Aquatic Center. You may pay on a per-use basis or you may purchase a session pass valid for all community swim times. The fees are as follows:

Session Pass FeesYouth (Grades K-12).........................................$20Adult ................................................................ $30Family* ............................................................. $50Senior Citizen ..................................................$20A session pass can be purchased during any

community swim period.Daily Use FeesYouth (Grades K-12) ......................................$1.00Adult ..............................................................$2.00Family* ...........................................................$5.00Senior Citizen ...............................................$1.00*Family (2 adults and children in same household)

Program Guidelines• All pool rules will be strictly enforced during

community swim programs and at the discretion of the supervisor or lifeguard on duty.

• Swimmers are to provide their own towel andappropriate swim suits.

• TheDistrictwill notbeheld responsible for itemsleft in the locker rooms.

• Additionally, during community swim times, children under the age of 14 years MUST be accompanied by a responsible adult who is at least 18 years of age. For the safety of everyone, parents are not to drop off children and leave them at the pool.The community aquatic program will follow the

school calendar and schedule. Therefore, the pool will not be open when students: have a scheduled day off, school has been closed, or after school activities have been cancelled.

Did You Know?• Did you know that our School District

receives Federal funding based upon our free and reduced mean numbers?

• Didyouknowthatwecouldlowerthetaxlevy by increasing our free and reduced meal numbers?

• Didyouknowthatmanyfamiliesqualifyforfree or reduced meals, but do not apply?

• Didyouknowthatstudentsreceivingfreeor reduced price breakfasts and/or lunches are kept completely confidential due to our computerized cash register system?

• Pleasetakethetimetofilloutthepaperworkto see if your child is eligible for free and/or reduced meals. In an effort to help families take advantage of this benefit, we are available to assist you in completing the enclosed application. Please call 563-2135, ext. 4264 to schedule a time to meet with us confidentially, or stop by the District Office (located in the HS). We look forward to working with you.


District AppointmentsKathryn Bailey

Kathryn was hired as a Curriculum Coordinator. She received her B.A. degree in English from Wells College and her C.A.S. degree in Educational

Leadership from Syracuse University. Kathryn is presently a doctoral student in Reading and Language Arts at Syracuse University. Kathryn has taught at the middle school level, she has had experience as an administrative intern at the high school level, she has had administrative and teaching experience with developmental readers and writers at the college level, and has worked with early literacy interventions and programming at the elementary level. Kathryn also has experience with curriculum mapping and meeting with vertical and horizontal teams of teachers and support staff to build programming that maximizes opportunities for student achievement.

Kathleen LangleyK a t h l e e n w a s h i re d a s a n

Administrator for Special Programs. She received her B.F.A. degree in Art from Syracuse University. She received

her Master’s degree in Special Education from SUNY Potsdam and her M.E. degree in Administration from St. Lawrence University. Kathy was a special education teacher at the St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES, Canton Central School District, Clifton-Fine Central School District and most recently was CSE/CPSE Chairperson at Greene Central School District. She spent fifteen years teaching special education to students with a wide variety of disabilities. Kathy enjoys baking bread, sewing and spending time with her husband.

High School AppointmentsMichelle Cipriano

Michelle was hired as an Earth Science teacher in the High School. Because her parents met in the military, Michelle spent her formative years in

Europe. Michelle’s love for rocks overpowered her original aspiration of becoming a whale doctor, and so she decided to major in Earth Science and ended up earning her B.S. degree from SUNY Oneonta. She is currently working on her Biology certification. She did her student teaching at West Canada Valley Central School and at Thomas R. Proctor High School, and was a substitute teacher at Herkimer County BOCES. She says she chose to apply for a teaching job here because Sidney was recommended to her as “a nice place to teach,” and she enjoys sharing her love for science with students who are fun and full of energy. Michelle says her favorite

New Faces in the Sidney School Districtfood is an eel cucumber sushi roll. In her spare time, Michelle plays tennis and enjoys crafts like knitting and crocheting.

Floyd FisherFloyd has been hired as a temporary

high school Mathematics teacher. As a kid, he was interested in becoming a

professional athlete. Later in life, he earned his A.B. degree in Mathematics/Physics from Lycoming College, his Master’s degree in Mathematics from Central Connecticut State University, and his Master’s degree in Computer Science from RPI at Hartford. He then found work as an Associate Professor of Mathematics at the University of Hartford. Because Floyd graduated from Sidney High in 1959, he decided to come back to his old school hometown and apply for a teaching position in the Mathematics Department. At Sidney High, he is mostly looking forward to, “having everyone pass the Integrated Algebra Regents.” Floyd reports that he was once caught skipping school his senior year, he enjoys running, he likes reading novels by Tom Clancy, and, if he had a million dollars, he would retire (again).

Amy Glerum Amy was hired as a Mathematics teacher

in the High School. As a student, she had a math teacher who “was not real exciting and did not make math my favorite

subject,” and this sparked her interest in becoming the Mathematics teacher that her teacher was not. She hopes to make math fun and exciting. She earned her B.S. and Master’s degrees in Secondary Education at SUNY Oswego. Previously, she taught Mathematics at Lyons Central School District. She was also a Mathematics Integration Specialist at DCMO BOCES and has taught as an adult educator. Some interesting facts about Amy: she competes in tractor pulls, was a wrestler and sings. Asked what kind of super-hero she would like to be, she says Rubber Man, because then she could do chores in one room while being in another.

Scott HornungScott was hired as a Social Studies

teacher in the High School. As a teen, he was a student-athlete who competed on the soccer and track teams. At SUNY Oswego,

he earned his B.S. degree in Adolescent Education/Social Studies 7-12 and is currently in the process of earning his Master’s degree at SUNY Oneonta. Scott is interested in teaching at the high school level, because he believes that, “high school students are mature enough to act like adults when they need to, but at the same time still have fun and [do] not take themselves too seriously.” He has substitute taught here at Sidney and in the Oneonta City School District. Previous to his current job, he was a long-term substitute teacher at DCMO BOCES. Scott chose to apply for a teaching job at Sidney because he is an alumnus of the Sidney School


District. He also took up the coaching position for the boys’ Varsity Soccer Team. He is eager to get to know all of the students and to be the best teacher, coach, adviser and mentor that he can be. Scott enjoys listening to Jimi Hendrix and Smashing Pumpkins, his favorite cartoon is South Park, he taught himself how to play a guitar (poorly), and he admires people who put forth all of their effort into everything that they do.

Whitney Hubbard Whitney has been hired as a

temporary Social Studies teacher for the High School. As a kid, she grew up in New York, Kansas, Missouri,

Pennsylvania and Savannah, Georgia. She wanted to be a professional bungee jumper. But, later on, Whitney says she decided that she wanted to teach “the roots of all other subjects—Social Studies.” She attended SUNY Oneonta, where she earned her B.S. degree in Adolescent Education/Social Studies. Previously to being hired at Sidney, she was a student teacher at Charlotte Valley Middle School and at Cobleskill-Richmondville High School. Her goals at Sidney High are to educate, inspire, and to have a great time. At the Sidney School District, Whitney likes the students, staff, technology, and enjoys the baked goods that Mrs. Annette Hammond (HS Principal) makes. She also enjoys going kayaking, traveling, thumb wrestling and eating Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. When asked what kind of super-hero she would want to be, Whitney said that she would want to be Captain Planet because, “he has a great theme song to save the world to, he’s environmentally conscious, and has a great fashion sense.” A special talent that Whitney claims she can do is that she “can walk on [her] hands for an extended period of time while singing a variety of charming melodies from the 40’s and 50’s.”

Holly LapeHolly has been hired as a temporary

Special Education teacher in the High School. She wanted to teach at the high school level because she wants

to “make a difference in young people’s lives during their final years of public school.” And so, she earned her B.A. degree in Social Studies Education from Daemen College and is currently working on earning a Master ’s degree from Binghamton University in Special Education. Holly has been a substitute teacher at a number of different high schools in the area. Her goal at Sidney High is to help her students achieve their greatest potential. Holly enjoys the outdoors, is a Red Sox fan, admires people who stand up for what they believe in, and has run in the Buffalo Marathon.

Jonathan YurkaJonathan Yurka was hired as a Health

teacher in the Middle and High Schools. He received his B.S. degree in Fitness Development/Kinesiology and his Master’s

in Teaching Health Education from SUNY Cortland. Jon was a physical therapist aide at Lourdes Hospital and a substitute teacher at Susquehanna Valley Central School District. Presently, Jon is a personal trainer at Young at Heart in Endicott. He belongs to the National Strength and Conditioning Association. He is very interested in exercise and fitness, health, and encouraging students to make the right choices in life to promote longevity and overall health. He enjoys traveling to tropical places in the winter.

Middle School AppointmentsJamie Baumes

Jamie was hired as a science teacher in the Middle School. She received her A.S. degree from Broome Community College and her B.A. degree in Chemistry/Biochemistry from

the State University College at Oneonta. Jamie was a tutor, presenter, teaching assistant and adjunct professor at the State University College at Oneonta and did her internship at Sidney High School.

Andrew HoffAndrew was hired as a childhood education

teacher in the Middle School. He received his A.S. degree in Liberal Arts/Business Management from Clinton Community

College, his B.S. degree in Childhood Education from Plattsburgh State University, and his Master’s degree in Education-Elementary Reading and Literacy from Walden University. Andrew was a substitute teacher at Willsboro Central School District, a sixth grade social studies teacher at Binghamton, a fourth grade long-term substitute at Sidney Elementary School and most recently was a second grade long-term substitute at Vestal Central School District. Andrew enjoys skiing, hiking, snow shoeing, and kayaking. He and his wife have been white-water rafting on the Colorado River and actually saved a woman’s life who fell out of the boat! He enjoys building with ceramic tile. A life ambition of his is to climb all the High Peak-Adirondacks. He and his wife have done about ten so far, three of which he carried his son in a child-hiking backpack.

Kate LloydKate was hired as a long term substitute

in grade 6 ELA. She received her B.S. degree in English and Elementary Education from SUNY Oswego and her Master’s degree in

Special Education from Syracuse University. Kate did her student teaching at Roxboro Road Middle School and Kernan Elementary School. Most recently she was a special education teacher at the Altmar-Parish-Williamstown Central School District in Parish.


Meghan SlackMeghan was hired as a technology

teacher in the Middle School. She received her B.S. degree in Technology Education from SUNY Oswego. She

did her student teaching at Deposit Middle School and Sidney High School and most recently was a technology teacher at Baltimore County Public Schools at Catonsville High School.

Elementary School AppointmentsRuth Boyce

Ruth was hired as a school nurse in the Elementary School. She received her A.S. degree from Clackamas Community College in Oregon. Ruth

has been a registered maternity nurse at A.O. Fox Hospital, a public health nurse for Delaware County Public Health, as well a residential RN for ARC Otsego. Ruth has two daughters attending Sidney school and also has a 8 ½ month old baby girl.

Loribeth FisherLoribeth was hired as an elementary

school counselor. She received her B.A. degree in psychology/religious studies from Nazareth College of Rochester

and her Master’s degree as a School Counselor from the State University College at Oneonta. Loribeth worked as a child protective services caseworker for Delaware County, a long-term substitute school counselor at Norwich City School District, a summer camp director/classroom teacher at SUCO Children’s Center, and a long-term substitute school counselor at Whitney Point Intermediate School. Loribeth loves to cook and bake by experimenting and modifying recipes to make them her own. She and her husband have been married for three years and do not have any children yet. She is also active in her local church.

Adrienne OlivetAdrienne was hired as a special

education teacher in the Elementary School. She received her B.S. degree in Childhood Education from SUNY

Oswego and her Master ’s degree in Inclusive Education from Nazareth College. Adrienne did her student teaching at Williamstown Elementary School and Lanigan Elementary School, and her graduate field work at School 45 and School 29 in Rochester. She worked as a floating teacher at the Ooey Gooey Playschool in Rochester, and was a substitute teacher at Chenango Forks Central School District. Adrienne loves to dance and has been dancing for 12 years. She has taken classes in tap, jazz, hip-hop, and lyrical. She also likes to run and has participated in a 3k and 5k race. She enjoys reading and writing for fun and her dream is to write her own children’s book someday.

Kelly TischmacherKelly was hired as a grade one teacher

in the Elementary School. She received her B.S. degree in Childhood Education from Elmira College and is presently working

on her Master’s degree in Middle School Mathematics from Walden University. She did her student teaching at Pine City Elementary School and St. Mary Our Mother School. She was a substitute teacher at South Kortright, Charlotte Valley, Morris, Franklin and Oneonta City School Districts. Kelly also was a long-term substitute at Sidney Central Schools in 3rd grade and grades 6-8 mathematics. Kelly is very active in fitness and loves playing basketball. Her favorite author is Nicholas Sparks.

HS Staff bios written by Kimberly Young, HS Student.

HS Academic SupportAvailable After School

In an effort to provide additional academic support for our High School students to ensure their success, we are offering an after school program again this year. Every student is eligible to participate in this program, regardless of academic standing.

The high school after school program will be offered two days a week in the High School library. It will run from 3:10-4:10 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays with specific content areas each day. Tuesday—English and Social Studies Thursday—Science and Math

Each afternoon as identified above, two teachers (one from each subject area) will be available to assist students on new concepts with which they may need extra help or with homework. Teachers will be recommending and encouraging specific students to participate. Parents may also ask that their child participate, and students themselves can elect to be a part of the program whenever they wish. Students do not need to attend every session; it is attended on an as-needed basis.

We began the program on November 6. There will be a 4:15 p.m. bus for students participating. If you are interested in having your child participate, you will need to have a conversation with them and have them sign up in the library each day of the program. If a teacher is recommending that your child participate, they will contact you to inform you of their request. This program is not to serve as a punishment for students but to give them extra support.


Area All-State Music FestivalStudents will attend the NYSSMA Zone 8 Area All-

State Music Festival, which will be held at Oneonta State on November 21-22. Groups performing include Women’s Chorus, Concert Band, Mixed Chorus and Orchestra. The weekend will be capped off with a performance Saturday afternoon, at the Hunt Student Union.

Sidney is one of 37 schools represented, from over a five county area. Students are selected to perform based on their previous spring NYSSMA solo scores. Performing in the Concert Band will be Kevin Davie, Megan Gray, Jeff Olson, Allie Omahen, Zach Smith and Samantha War.

Lindsay Gray will sing in the Women’s Chorus, and Erica Howard, Bethenie Pinney, Allyssa Poss, Ariel Scott and Nolan VanFleet will perform in the mixed chorus. Congratulations to all, for being selected to

participate in this prestigious event!

Concert Band: Samantha War, Allie Omahen, Megan Gray,

Zach Smith, Kevin Davie and Jeff Olson

Mixed Chorus: Allyssa Poss, Nolan VanFleet, Bethenie

Pinney, Ariel Scott. (Erica Howard, missing)

Notes from HS GuidanceIn the fall, the College Board offers several tests for

juniors and seniors who may be planning to continue their education after high school. Many colleges use the results of these tests as part of their admissions process. The ACT test will be given here at the High School on June 13, 2009 with a registration deadline of May 8, 2009. The SAT test will be offered here at the High School on May 2, 2009 with a registration deadline of March 31, 2009. For further information on these tests, please stop by the Guidance Office.

Currently, the Guidance Counselors are conducting senior conferences. The purpose of this meeting is to review the senior’s four year plan, checking to make sure all graduation requirements have been met or are in the process of being met. Also, post graduation plans are discussed. Any senior who has not met with his/her guidance counselor must make an appointment. Parents are encouraged to attend.

The end of the first marking period is November 7, with report cards being distributed to students on November 14. Please call the Guidance Office should you have any questions or concerns, 563-2135, ext. 4256.

—Mrs. Egli and Mr. Johnson

Interact Club Welcomes Exchange Student

On September 25, the Interact Club welcomed our new foreign exchange student, Linda Taleb of Munich, Germany. The welcoming reception was held in the Community Room

during 5th and 6th period lunch. The event was well attended by the Interact members, administration and members of the Sidney Rotary Club. The Rotary Club sponsors the foreign exchange student program, as well as the Interact Club.

The Community Room was well decorated with an All-American red, white and blue theme. There were streamers, flags, stars and stripes and a welcoming banner across the wall. Linda was presented with a classic I LOVE NY t-shirt and a Statue of Liberty hat! Everyone enjoyed a lunch of pizza and salad, finished off with a beautiful cake.

Linda has been an active member of the Interact Club, and we are excited to have her here at Sidney Central School District.

ExxonMobil GrantThanks to the efforts of Janet Fusco of

ExxonMobil Express Mart in Sidney, the High School has been awarded a $500 ExxonMobil Educational Alliance grant to purchase materials to enhance programs and benefit our students. Funded by the Exxon Mobil Corporation, the ExxonMobil Educational Alliance program is designed to provide ExxonMobil retailers like Express Mart with an opportunity to invest in the future of their community through educational grants to the neighborhood schools.

Pictured are Annette Hammond, HS Principal and Janet Fusco, ExxonMobil

Express Mart Representative.


Yearbook Pre-Order and Recognition AdsDear Community Members:

The Reflector, the Sidney High School yearbook, wants to remind you that it is the time of year to pre-order yearbooks. When you pre-order your yearbook, the total cost to you will only be $45, opposed to $50 when the yearbooks arrive in the spring. The first pre-order payment is only $20.

This year is special because we have set up, through Jostens, online payments. If you would rather pay from home with a credit card, it’s just as easy as logging onto jostensyearbook.com, filling out State and Town, and choosing the High School.

Also, The Reflector would like to offer parents and grandparents the chance to honor their graduating seniors. We are selling Remembrance Ads, which is an advertisement in the back of the yearbook dedicated to your student. Pictures, poems and messages can be created in various ways. If you want to create your Remembrance Ad, all you have to do is send it to the school, and we’ll scan it for you. If you’d rather make the ad here at the school, perhaps an artistic younger sibling wants to help out; The Reflector’s staff is more than willing to show you how.

If you want to purchase a Remembrance Ad, it is easily done. If you design it on your own or if you want to allow us the pleasure of designing it for you, collect the ad, pictures, and message and drop them off at the High School or with your student.

The prices and sizes are as follows: Eighth Page .......................................................... $20 Quarter Page ........................................................ $34Half Page ............................................................. $63 Full Page ............................................................. $120

Yearbook Sale Order FormPlease Print Clearly

_________________________________Name of Person Receiving/picking up book

1st Period Teacher_________________________

Amt. Enclosed $___________________________(Please make checks payable to The Reflector.

Do not send cash through the mail.)

Address for Receipt:

___________________________________

___________________________________

Senior Remembrance Ad Order FormPlease Print Clearly

_________________________________Name of Senior

Please, ____ design my ad ____ use attached ad

Amt. Enclosed $___________________(Please make checks payable to The Reflector.

Do not send cash through the mail.)

Address for Receipt:

___________________________________

___________________________________

Portfolio Studies on DisplayMr. Lissandrello’s high school Portfolio students

have been displaying their most recent work in the Community Room for all to see and enjoy. This select class includes Sam Melitti, Samantha Goulette, Megan Gray, Cassie Hoblitz, Jenny Mondonedo, Jerri Mondonedo and Jenneece Matonis. Mr. Lissandrello’s Portfolio class is specifically geared for advanced art students who wish to enter a college art program, a visual art school, or find an art related job.

Their initial drawings are large charcoal studies of spheres and organic produce. By drawing directly from observation, students are able to keenly study form, volume, light and shadow, and composition,

while at the same time developing their own unique style. Observational drawings of additional forms (3-dimensional shapes), perspective drawings, self-portraits, still-life, and landscape will follow.

The best works will be included in their individual portfolio cases and digitally p h o t o g r a p h e d t o v a s t l y improve their odds at attaining acceptance to art schools or help them get a job.

Jenneece Matonis at the easel with

her Spherical Study in charcoal.


Reading BuddiesThe 100 Book Challenge reading program has a

new aspect this year, eighth grade reading buddies. With the combined efforts of Miss Clark, 100 Book Coordinator, and Mrs. Jacobus, 8th grade ELA teacher, we have been able to provide reading coaches in the Elementary School. The eighth grade students have volunteered their study hall time every other day to be reading coaches. We are happy to have reading buddies in early kindergarten, second grade, and fourth grade. In addition the Elementary School students are again using our fourth grade students as reading coaches in Kindergarten.

Eighth grade student reading with Early Kindergarten student

100 Book ChallengeThe 100 Book Challenge program is off to a fast

start. We have added some new features this year. Grades 4, 5, and 6 are able to enter a raffle if they reach their 100 STEP goal by specific dates. There will be 5 prizes available at each STEP goal.

This year we are requiring that only students write in their log books. This was a recommendation made by the 100 Book Challenge representatives. The only place that parents are to sign is in the signature space. Grades 1-6 may log when they read, only in Kindergarten may children log when an adult reads to them.

Our first STEP goal is on November 17. Your child should be at 100 STEPS on that day. Many children have exceeded that goal and are well on their way to 200 STEPS. Keep up the good work!

CATCH the GO Spirit“CATCH . . . CATCH . . . CATCH, CATCH,

CATCH!” This is how the Elementary School got their CATCH Kickoff Assembly started on Friday, October 10. CATCH, also known as the Coordinated Approach To Child Health, is a program that educates elementary kids about leading a healthy lifestyle by making good eating choices and staying physically active.

The CATCH program was funded by Cornell Cooperative Extension's Delaware-Greene Eat Well Play Hard Community Project, a grant funded through the New York State Department of Health, which is committed to tackling the alarming obesity epidemic in school-age children.

At the kickoff, the students became increasingly excited about learning how to eat the proper foods, or GO foods, not WHOA foods. They also learned the importance of getting enough physical activity during the day and that being active is tons of fun! The students were up dancing with their teachers, watching a banana eating contest, eating apples donated to the school by The Frog Pond of Bainbridge, and learning that Sidney Elementary School is making a move to a healthier lifestyle for all students and staff by CATCHing the Go Spirit!


Second Grade TripThe second grade classes visited the Johnson’s

Covered Bridge Farm in Unadilla in October. Mr. Johnson showed the children how popcorn grows on a cob. He put the cob in a brown paper bag and popped it in the microwave. It was a delicious treat! The children were also able to take a hayride touring the farm. They saw bee hives, cows, a pumpkin patch, and cornfields while admiring the beautiful fall foliage. After the hayride, the children were able to enter the pumpkin garden and pick out their own pumpkin, gourd, and finger corn. The garden was decorated with a scarecrow, a cow, a pumpkin man, and prize winning giant pumpkins. It was a wonderful trip, and we thank the Johnsons for their generosity.

NYSSMAThe Elementary Band attended the New York State

School Music Association Major Evaluation Festival. For their performance of level I literature, the band received a GOLD rating. NYSSMA awards Gold ratings based on the following criteria: A Gold rating will be awarded to organizations that have demonstrated an outstanding level of technical and artistic skill in each of the evaluative categories, (Tone, Intonation, Balance, Technique, Accuracy/Execution, Rhythm, Interpretation, Discipline/Appearance, Appropriate Choice of Music) for all three selections. Any weakness in the musical performance will have been minimal. Recommendations will be given to further enhance their music performance skills.

This information is published in School Music News, Vol. 72, No.1, the official publication of the New York State School Music Association.

Feel free to visit Mrs. Hoxie’s webpage for more interesting band news.

Map MakingMs. Neal's third and fourth grade art students

started the year off by making maps. They began by staining and texturing kraft paper to make it look old or worn. Then they brainstormed ideas for features that could be found on a map, such as mountains, rivers, cities, landmarks, etc. Students could choose to show a real or imagined place and time, or they could use the map to tell a story or find a treasure. The general areas were put in using watercolors, then details were added using colored pencils or markers. T h e c o m p l e t e d project included a written paragraph about the map.

Creatures of CharacterMrs. Fisher has started a new character

education program called Creatures of Character during classroom guidance lessons. Students learn how animals exhibit the following characteristics in nature and how they benefit the animals. The program focuses on teaching children to apply the same character traits to their own lives to be successful in school and beyond. The character traits reinforce the five Pillars of Character Education Program at Sidney Elementary School.• Responsibility—Responsible Bertram B. Beaver• Respect—RespectfulPatBat• Fairness—JusticeMiriamH.Eagle• Caring—CaringCarolPelican• Trustworthiness—CourageousAlbertB.Lion

Students are currently learning about how beavers are extremely responsible animals by working diligently to build dams and lodges. Students discuss, identify, and practice ways they can show responsibility with their words and actions in school and at home.


PeaceMakers in 6th GradeMiddle School 6th graders started their year off with

a citizenship unit in Ms. Jenkins’ Social Sciences class. Our first discussion centered around characteristics that exemplify the formula: Respect + Responsibility = Success. We examined the rules, guidelines, and suggestions in the Student Handbook. Students determined that success looked like; feeling happy and good about yourself, getting good grades, learning, enjoying privileges, earning rewards and awards, staying out of trouble, and making your family proud of you. To help us reach our goals of success we spent ten days with Karen Goff of the Dispute Resolution Center of Chenango, Delaware and Otsego Counties, learning different ways to manage conflict. The program Mrs. Goff taught is called PeaceMakers and was made available through a grant. We practiced some skills to help us resolve conflicts without being hurtful. We worked on conflict management, anger management, team work, decision making, tolerance and dealing with “bullies.” Students were given several newsletters to share with their parents. At the end of the program each student received a dove pin and a certificate for completing the PeaceMaker Program and for promoting peace at school, at home, and in the global community.

Fourth Grade NewsFourth grade has had an exciting experience

to start the year off. Mrs. Langstaff and Mrs. Woodyshek's classes have had the pleasure of hosting two student teachers from SUNY Oneonta. Miss Backus and Miss Baldasare were here to start the year and have done several engaging lessons with the students.

Both students and student teachers were immersed into a truly hands-on science unit. The classes loved the crayfish unit as they learned about humane treatment, habitats, senses of a crayfish and animal adaptations. Each pair was able to adopt a crayfish and study it throughout the unit. With parent permission the students were able to make the adoption final by bringing home a new family member at the end of the unit. Although there was a pet store odor in our rooms, it was a great experience!

In ELA students created poems about different topics that they were studying. The students learned and wrote poems in the forms of Diamante, Haiku, Acrostic and Couplets. There were poems related to their crayfish and Native Americans.

Miss Backus created a Kindness Tree for the entire grade level to enjoy. Students received a heart to hang on the tree for demonstrating an act of kindness.

Both Miss Baldasare and Miss Backus moved on to their next placement after October 24. We will truly miss them and wish them the best of luck.

Achievement Award All-StarsMiss O'Sullivan and Mr. Beckwith recognize Elementary

students who exemplify good character and fair play during Physical Education class. The most recent Achievement Award All-Stars are . . . Kindergarten—Olivia DeMott, Jonathan McNamara,

Hannah Funaro, Savannah Baldwin, Devon Johnson, Anthony Morris, Kristen Spinella, Garrett Starr

1st Grade—Khadija Butt, Lily Evans, Conner King, Victor Lockhart, Sydne Clupper, Corbin Constable, Hannah Gregory, Hailey Hoag

2nd Grade—Crystal Bivar, Amber Britton, Mason Brown, Paul Amara, Simon Dear, Alexandra Johnson, Chayse Johnson, Cora Van Kingsley

3rd Grade—Benjamin Bivar, Remington Crandall, Carter Fralicker, Destiny Jones, Heather Lisenby, Justin McMillan, Zachary Pope, Miranda Anderson

4th Grade—Micah Bowie, Mackensie Gravelin, Collin Karl, Jennifer Melvin, Jacob Plummer, Haley Shoemaker, Trenton Stillman, Meggan Tweedie

5th Grade—Gunner Babcock, William Crandall, Marina Mazzarella, Tyson McCarroll, Hailey Newell, Courtney Smith, Dean Howard, Dyani Sands

DC

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Non-Profit Organization

U.S. POSTAGEP A I D

Sidney, New York 13838

Permit No. 16

Sidney Central School District95 West Main StreetSidney, New York 13838

ECRWSSPostal Customer

or Current Resident

Board of EducationNancy Parsons, PresidentCatherine Treffeisen, Vice-PresidentSteven AndersonKimberly AyresEric BrandlGary SchoonoverTerri TheobaldSuperintendent of SchoolsSandra M. CooperSchool Business ManagerDorothy IannelloNewsletter EditorSheri Kinsella

Parental NotificationRight to Withhold Certain Information from Military Recruiters

and Institutions of Higher LearningRelease of Certain Student Information Under the No Child Left Behind Act

Pursuant to the No Child Left Behind Act, the school district must disclose to military recruiters and institutions of higher learning, upon request, the names, addresses and telephone numbers of high school students. The district must also notify parents of their rights and the right of their child to request that the district not release such information without prior written parental consent.

Parents wishing to exercise their option to withhold their consent to the release of the above information to military recruiters and/or institutions of higher learning must sign and return the attached form to the Building Principal by December 1.

Withholding Consent for the Release of Certain Student Information Under the No Child Left Behind Act

Please do not release the name, address and telephone number of _________________________________ to name of student

______military recruiters and/or______institutions of higher learning (check all that apply).

Parent Signature _________________________________________________________ Date ______________

Accident InsuranceThe District provides student accident insurance through a group plan administered by the Allen J. Flood

Company. Please note that this insurance is a secondary plan with a $100 deductible that is designated to supplement the family’s primary policy. If your child is injured in a school sponsored activity, you will need to file your claim within 30 days at the District Office or call 563-2135, ext. 4273, for more information.

Documents

Sidney Nov 08