The English department, at Lancaster High School, is excited to continue its commitment to put our district at the forefront of both academic and personal development in the Western New York Area. The aforementioned will be accomplished, specifically at the senior level, with the im-plementation of a college readiness partnership with Bryant and Stratton and the further develop-ment of our Community Awareness Program, which began last year, at the senior level, and has now moved to include all junior classes. Together, these two programs, in conjunction with the increased rigors we have adopted as a department and, those imposed by the Common Core Learning Standards in New York State, promise to empower all Lancaster students with the skills necessary to succeed in an ever-challenging employment climate. State and local education leaders gathered at Erie-1-Boces in West Seneca to discuss major overhauls to our State Educational System and new initiatives catalyzed through, “No Child Left Behind” and now, “Race To The Top”. In attendance at this seminar were the State Commis-sioner of Education, Western New York’s Regent Bennett, hundreds of local administrators, doz-ens of college educators, and several business leaders. One of the central discussion points and initiatives, advanced by those in attendance, were the relationship between Community In-volvement and its connection to improved Student Achievement (as well as reduced drop out rates). A second important dialogue was about the direct need to reduce college drop out rates by establishing stronger graduation requirements, more rigorous senior programs to prevent backsliding, and college readiness programs to aid with college preparedness. Partnership with Bryant & Stratton: The newly developed partnership between the English IV Regents classes and Bryant and Stratton College parallels what already was in place in the senior curriculum, but with real college expectations and real professors. For example, the Initial Benchmark Thesis Paper, Activity Re-sume, College Application Research, Personal Letter of Intent, Second Thesis Paper, Persuasive Paper, Discussions, and Journals were already staples in the English IV curriculum. Now, our students have the benefit of receiving feedback and commentary from college professors, on these writing pieces. The aforementioned could not be timelier, as the New York State Commis-sioner of Education, Dr. John B. King Jr., just released the staggering statistic that 47% of incom-ing freshman, at the community college level, are being reassigned to remedial English pro-grams, as they are not adequately prepared for the rigors of college and the number is signifi-cantly higher at the university level and further, one in four college freshmen, nationwide, are dropping out of college, altogether. Hence, the English IV teachers are committed to reversing the above trend for all our students.

Volume 20 Number 3 November/December 2011

English Department News

English Department News continued

Partnership with Bryant & Stratton...continued Each of the first two marking periods, the Bryant and Stratton professors and the English IV instructors are providing our students with discussion, readings, assignments and expectations that all English/Composition classes, which are required at the college level, are requiring of their students. Further, the English IV teachers are providing your children with the guidance, support, and time to complete this “college level” work, with the implementation of weekly reading and writing workshops, to provide individual support for all students. We believe that this will signifi-cantly improve their readiness for both college level work and their chosen careers. Community Awareness Project:

The Community Awareness Program (C.A.P.), started in 2010-2011, was begun to meet the need of all of our students, with respect to the current expectations of both colleges and employers. Both expect that prospective applicants provide them with evidence of: growth, service, and discipline, outside of the classroom setting. The “C.A.P.” project will ensure that all English III and English IV Regents’ students master the necessary skills of portfolio devel-opment, analytical and reflective writing, and holistic growth. Further, this program will give your sons and daughters the competitive edge needed to surpass candidates from neighbor-ing districts such as Clarence, Williamsville, Amherst, etc., in the extremely competitive job market of our society; these districts all mandate that students complete service hours prior to graduation, as well.

We are extremely proud of each one of your sons and daughters for the maturity and integrity in which they have responded to this year’s changes in the English curriculum. Their commitment to succeeding in their individual academic and personal goals has been inspiring. It is with confidence and pride that we look forward to working with these amazing indi-viduals everyday, who will undoubtedly be tomor-row’s leaders.

Business Department News “Exposing young people to financial concepts is particularly important. Students can be particularly vulnerable to the temptations of taking on excessive debt, such as credit card debt. The earlier that young people can develop basic financial skills, the more likely it is that they will make good financial decisions when they become adults. The Federal Reserve is committed to helping teachers and schools work more effectively with students as they develop their financial literacy.” Ben Bernanke- Federal Reserve Chairman

For more information on the lack of financial literacy in high schools please visit www.jumpstartcoalition.org

How will our students be able to compete for good jobs in a global economy? The Business Department’s solution is to provide our students with the technology tools, finance background and career/college preparation they will need to succeed. Student actions include the following:

Freshmen: Apply to the Academy of Finance in January and join DECA

Sophomores: MOS (Microsoft Office: half year), Microsoft Office Suite 2007 (full year), DECA

Juniors/Seniors: CEIP (Career Exploration Internship Program), enroll in Business classes

All grades: Enroll in Keyboarding/Word Basics and/or Career Skills and Success and/or Financial Literacy

The Business Department at LHS is proud to announce that we now participate in the Advanced Studies Program through Erie Community College. What does that mean for your son/daughter? Students earn SUNY transferrable college credits at the same time they are satisfying their high school re-quirements for graduation. The credits earned can be used toward a program of study at ECC or students may elect to transfer the credits to another college of their choice. All LHS business teachers are highly trained adjunct instructors through ECC who implement real-life experi-ences in their classrooms each and every day.

Lancaster High School’s Career Exploration Intern-ship Program (CEIP) attracts large numbers of stu-dents each year. Area businesses and organizations are exceptional in their support of this program. Students are able to experience work in a very broad range of careers by working with profession-als employed in their career interests. What better method is there to help them find the best way for them to direct their futures? Community and school district members who would like to provide an experience for one of our seniors or second se-mester juniors are encouraged to contact Mrs. Bortz, Internship Coordinator, at LHS 686-3351 or visit our website: www.lancasterschools.org/internship

Business Department News continued In May of 2011, four DECA students traveled to Orlando, FL to compete at the Interna-tional Career Development Conference. The students earned the right to compete by being ranked one of the top competitors in the state in their competitive events area. While in Or-lando, one student placed in the top ten in the nation in his contest area of Professional Sales. A few of our DECA students are already working on a market research project with the Lancaster YMCA. This year’s international conference is in Salt Lake City, Utah. This year’s upcoming activities include DECA/AOF activity night, installation dinner, work on our civic consciousness projects and preparing for our regional competition in January at Lewiston-Porter High School. The Marketing/AOHT and Entrepreneurship classes are go-ing to visit Salvatore’s Italian Gardens and Garden Place Hotel to obtain some hands on ex-periences of managing and marketing a successful business. The classes also have a vari-ety of guest speakers lined up to enhance their students’ classroom knowledge. Many of the DECA students also work in the school store. We sell a variety of snacks, school supplies and LHS apparel. While working the students learn about stocking, cus-tomer service, money management and marketing.

Lancaster’s Academy of Finance earned the National Academy Foundation’s highest designation as a “Distinguished Academy”. Lancaster is the only academy in New York State to receive this designation (There are over 60 in NYS) and only one of nine within the entire nation. (There are over 500). This is a result of our rigorous curriculum, relevant projects and a commitment to excellence by the Board of Education, our Business Advisory Board and the Academy Parents Council. Each ensures our students are both college AND career ready. Visit www.lancasterschools.org/finance or www.naf.org for more information.

Fall Sports Banquet

Thursday, November 17th

6:30pm in the Cafeteria

Tickets $12

Varsity and JV Basketball Tip-Off Tournament

JV Teams 6pm on Tuesday, November 29th 6pm on Thursday, December 1st

Varsity Teams

6pm on Wednesday, November 30 6pm on Friday, December 2nd

On sale for SENIORS only November 28th - December 7th in Room 222 Presale Price is $40

Seniors who order during the above dates will have his/her name stamped on the cover at no additional charge. Forms will be distributed in senior English classes.

Yearbook sales for underclassmen and additional seniors 2/28 - 4/5

Photo make-ups

Underclassmen photo/ID make-ups

November 10 12:00pm-5:00pm

LHS aud

Visit the school website for the most up-to-date school information:

www.lancasterschools.org

Invite your friends to hear the Lancaster music teachers perform!

HOLIDAY HELP

THE LANCASTER YOUTH BUREAU IS AN APPLICATION SITE FOR THE WNY HOLIDAY PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM

FAMILIES IN NEED CAN APPLY FOR ASSISTANCE FOR CHRISTMAS AT THE LANASTER YOUTH BUREAU

200 OXFORD AVENUE LANCASTER, NY

PLEASE CALL 716-683-4444

FOR ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

Donations will be accepted to raise funds for the Richard E. Pascucci Memorial Music

Scholarship.

For more information, please contact Mrs. Shannon Zolnowski

at szolnowski@lancaster.wnyric.org or 686-3352.

Art Honor Society and Art Club Christmas Craft Show

When: Wed, Dec.14th Where: Senior Hall

Time: 2:15 – 4:00 pm

This is a great time to shop for that special handmade gift for a family member, friend and you!

What will you find?

Silk Hand-dyed Scarves Fleece Scarves

Phenomenal Wreaths Jewelry

Hand-painted Masterpiece Clay Pots Handmade Purses

Fabric Christmas Cards and so much more

** a few items will be displayed in the front showcase the week of the event**

November-December 2011

Counselors A-Cm

Mrs. Megan Hewett 686-3229

Cn-Go

Mrs. Rebecca O’Connor 686-3265

Gp-Ko

Mrs. Nancy Hejaily 686-3264

Kp-M

Mrs. Jodi Parisi 686-3263

N-Pj

Mr. Don Marchese 686-3853

Pk-Ss

Mrs. Tryjankowski 686-3261

St-Z

Mrs. Danielle Len 686-3399

——————– Secretaries

Mrs. Pat Curtis 686-3258

Transcripts Mrs. Penny Nelson

686-3259 Appointments

Family Edition

Lancaster High School Counseling Center

COUNSELORS’ NEWSLETTER

AP Scholar Awards

The College Board in recognition of their exceptional achievement on the college level AP Exams has named eighty six (86) students at Lancaster High School AP Scholars. Students take AP Exams in May after completing challenging college-level courses at their high schools. The College Board recognizes several levels of achievement based on the number of yearlong courses and exams (or their equivalent semester long courses and exams). At Lancaster High School: Two (2) students qualified for the National AP Scholar Award by earning an average score of 4 or higher on a five-point scale on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 4 or higher on eight or more of these exams. These students are: Buscaglia, Nicholas A. Trueman, Caressa Thirty One (31) students qualified for the AP Scholar with Distinction Award by earning an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. The names of the students are: Abdulrahman, Omar Hooven, Sarah Rudz, Diana Baumann, Paul R. Kim, Jessica A. Schrimmel, Kaitlin E. Blersch, Kayleigh N. Lafornara, Lisa M. Streit, Kaylie E. Brown, Sean M. Lapiano, Jessica B. Trueman, Caressa A. Buscaglia, Nicholas A. Leonard, Kelly Vero, Marisa A. Buszka, Alexander J. Lutz, Katie A. Werynski, Alyssa K. Chmiel, Jacqueline M. Mertzlufft, Daniel J. Whyle, Kristen M. Gawrys, Gregory Meyerhofer, Stephen P. Zaidel, Alyssa M. Grazen, Kayla E. Michalak, Megan R. Zimmer, Steven M. Hauser, Ryan J. Piotrowski, Stephen Hissin, Jordan M. Porzio, Jessica R.

Lancaster High School

Counseling Center

PARENT NEWSLETTER

Sixteen (16) students qualified for the AP Scholar with Honor Award by earning an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. These students are: Banaszak, Jessica S. Harter, Elizabeth N. Vero, Anthony J. Bertucci, Matthew R. Kowalczewski, Jordan L. Warmus, Alycia Bodekor, Rachel A. Mueller, Brittany C. Wolski, Brandon J. Buszka, Collin P. Russ, Jordan M. Wukovits, Jacob J. DeCaire, Katelyn Russ, Kaitlyn E. Franger, Geoffrey P Rzeszut, Samantha Thirty seven ( 37) students qualified for the AP Scholar Award by completing three or more AP Examinations, with scores of 3 or higher. These students are: Billittier, Alyssa R. Hoelzl, Troy Selk, Sarah E. Bordieri, Emily Kessler, Derick J. Shiver, Kenneth P. Carey, Megan Kloc, Katarzyna Suchyna, Lindsay R. Chaves, Julie M. Krajewski, Bryan Tabaczynski, Janelle R. Ciesiulka, Nicholas Lehrbach, Kimberly J. Taylor, Kyle T. Dianetti, Amanda M. Luke, Russell E. VanArtsdalen, Molly S. DiNatale, Sara M. Mestre, Maria K. Varga, Elizabeth E. Dudas, Alexx M. Monheim, Kevin R. Vriesen, James D. Fosdick, Robert L. Oneil, Allison E. Wojnowski, Joseph A. Gaczewski, Drew L. Piatkowski, Andrew Zilka, Rachel L. Glauser, Ryan T. Raff, Shea Zimmer, Ryan A. Hensen, Taran Russo, Ryan M. Herod, Kyle J. Schmid, Joshua E.

Financial Aid Night Tuesday, December 6th High School Cafeteria

6:30 pm Speaker: Curtis Guame

Director of Financial Aid At

Canisius College

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 4

Autumn Concert #1

2 5

S.S.A.C. Meeting Per. 3-4 @ LHS

Ski Club Vermont

3 6

Student Union Mtg. Per. 3

Building Committee Mtg. 2:30PM Conf.

4 1

5

SAT 8AM-1PM

6

AOF NYC Trip

7 2

SAT Administration for

Students with Accommodations - All

Day

8 3

LMB Booster Meeting 6:30PM

9 4

B.P.T. Meeting 3-4:30PM Conf.

Room

DECA Installation Dinner

10 5

1st Marking

Period Termi-nates

11

12

13 14 6

LHS Musical Audi-

tions #1

Advisor Meeting

15 1

16 2

Music Group Activ-ity

Yearbook Photos

17 3

Department Chair Mtg. 1:45PM Conf.

Room

18 4

Orchestra Can-

dle Fundraiser Deliv-

19

LMB Fruit Delivery 7AM

Leadership Acad-emy Vendor Fair &

Chicken Dinner Noon - 5PM Cafe

20

DECA North Atlantic Regional

Conference

21 5

MHS Induction Ceremony Re-hearsal 2:30PM

Aud

22 6

MHS Induction Ceremony 6PM

Aud

23 1

24

25

26

27 28 2

BOE Meeting 7PM @ CAS

29 3

JV Boys Tip-Off Basketball Tour-

30 4 Varsity Boys Tip-

Off Basketball Tour-

10/24-11/4 Science Olympiad Candy Sale Fundraiser 10/24-11/4 Academy of the Visual & Performing Arts Candy Sale Fundraiser 11/1-11/16 Model UN Cheesecake Fundraiser 11/1-11/29 Orchestra Poinsettia Sale 11/7-11/18 Peer Mediation Candle Sale 11/7-11/18 English Honor Society Candy Sale Fundraiser 11/14-11/25 Health Care Academy Partylite Candle Sale 11/14-11/28 DECA Poinsettia Sale 11/14-11/28 Freshman Class Fudge Sale 11/19 AOHT Bottle Drive 11/21-12/2 Foreign Language Club Candy Sale Fundraiser 11/28-12/2 NHS Food Drive

November 2011

Ski Club Vermont Trip Sign-

DECA North Atlantic Regional Freshman Semi-

NYSSMA Senior Area All-State @ SUNY Fredonia

THANKSGIVING RECESS NO CLASSES

AOF NYC Trip

NYSSMA Junior High Area All-

Student Union NYSCLSA Leadership Con-

VET-ERAN’S

DAY

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 5

Building Commit-tee Mtg. 2:30PM

Conf. Room

JV Boys Tip-Off Basketball Tourna-

ment

2 6

Varsity Boys Tip-Off

Basketball Tourna-ment

3

Student Union Holiday Decorating

8AM-3PM

4 NYSSMA Winter Conference Final

Concert 10AM

5 1

Faculty Meeting

2:30PM

Holiday Concert 8PM @ St. Mar-

tha’s

6 2

Group and Activity Yearbook Photos Day

#2 Senior Hall

District Department Chairpersons Mtg. 2PM

@ D.O.

Financial Aid Night

7 3

Senior Yearbook with Name Stamping Presale

Due

Bus Drills 9th & 10th Grade 8:30-

9AM 11th & 12th Grade 9:15-

9:45AM

S.S.A.C. Meeting

8 4

Student Union

Mtg. Per. 4

9 5

Sales Tax Reports

Due

10

ACT 8AM-1PM

11

Holiday Choral Concerts

2PM & 7PM

12 6

BOE Meeting 7PM @ WSS

13 1

Holiday Concert #1

8PM

14 2

Art Honor Society / Art Club Christmas Craft Show 2:15-

4:15PM

Holiday Concert #2 8PM

15 3

DECA and Orchestra Poinsettia Delivery

Leadership Class Field Trip to

Lancaster Youth Bu-reau

Concert Choir Concert 8PM @ Our Lady of

Pompeii

16 4

Mid Quarter Ends

String Orchestra

Concert @ Greenfields

17

18 19 5

Holiday Concert #3

7:30PM

20 6

AOF Open House 2:15-3:15PM Cafe-

teria

Symphony Or-chestra Concert @

21 1

Show Choir District Tour

Mid Quarter Progress Reports Due by 2:30PM

Downhill Ski Club 3PM

Jazz Ensemble & Show Choir Concert #4

7:30PM

22 2

Jazz Ensemble Performance 6:45AM Front

Foyer

Holiday Assem-blies

23

24

25

Christmas

26 27 28

29 30 31

11/21-12/2 Foreign Language Club Candy Sale Fund-raiser 11/28-12/2 NHS Food Drive 11/29-12/7 Senior Yearbook Presales with Name Stamping 12/1-12/9 MHS Toy Drive 12/1-12/15 Model UN Cookie Dough Fundraiser 12/5-12/16 Science Honor Society Candy Sale Fund-raiser 12/5-12/16 Academy of Hospitality & Tourism Candy Sale Fundraiser 12/7-12/16 Student Union Coloring Contest 12/9-12/14 Student Union Tree Decorating Contest

December 2011

Freshman Seminar

NYSSMA Winter Conference

LMB Tour

WINTER RECESS

NO CLASSES

WINTER RE-CESS

CLASSES RE-SUME JANUARY

3