nnewsletterewsletter · positions perform. dr. vogt’s resume is extensive, including holding...

Kenoa Tio and Melissa Boeker.

March 2011 A community where learners excel!

Board of Education: Don Edwards-President; Jack Sines-Vice President; Melissa Stephens; Donald Vredenburgh; Judy Warner. Superintendent of Schools-Robert Bundy; Assistant Superintendent of Schools-Kathleen Dixon.

NewsletterNewsletterVol. XI, No. 7

Students keep on movin’

No matter the time of year, we all need to exercise and move. A few teachers in Kenyon and Harshaw decided to incorporate exercise

into the school day, getting their students moving and exercising daily when time allows.

Kindergarten teachers Lisa Diamond and Tracey Moppert and third-grade teacher Tina Germano carve out 15 to 20 minutes on as many days as possible to allow students time to exercise and move around.

Diamond and Moppert take their students outside to walk around the Kenyon building or the track. Even in the winter, the students go outside. Th e plowed

Congratulations to CF musicians selected for Congratulations to CF musicians selected for All-County bands & chorusesAll-County bands & choruses

Kindergartners walk outside for exercise.

See “Movin,” page 8.

Front: Melissa Belanger and Jessica Collyer. Back: Kenny Starr, Taylor Powers, Riley Walsh.

10-12 All-County BandArea All-State Chorus 7-9 All-County Band

Kira Hovancik and Lauren Gridley.

See “Music,” page 3

March 20112 DistrictDistrictStaff member to attend workshop

During the week of July 11-15, Harshaw Library Media

Specialist Nicole Waskie-Laura will participate in Project ENABLE at Syracuse University. More than 100 people from across New York applied and 45 were accepted.

Th e overall purpose of Project ENABLE is to provide ongoing professional development to raise the level of librarians’ understanding of and sensitivity to the library and information needs of students with disabilities. Th is includes their ability to develop programs and services, provide adequate facilities, and select appropriate resources and technologies to meet those needs. It’s basically a “train-the-trainer” program. After

the workshop, Waskie-Laura will participate in a project Wiki and conduct two workshops, one at Chenango Forks and then another for the Broome-Tioga School Library System region.

She has also been asked to form a three-educator team that includes her, a general educator (classroom teacher) and a special educator from our school.

Waskie-Laura said, “I am excited to participate in this program and collaborate with my fellow teachers and library media specialists. I believe this program will help me better serve students with special needs and create a technologically rich environment that supports all students’ growth and learning.”

For more information on the workshop go to their website at http://enable.digital-literacy.syr.edu/.

-Linda Myers, communications coordinator

Students win PTA awards

This year, three Chenango Forks students placed in the Regional PTA Refl ections competition. Stephanie Zdimal won fi rst

place for visual arts in the high school group, Alaijah Cheeseman won second place for literature in the middle school group, and Alexandra Dimatos won fi rst place for literature in the intermediate group.

Refl ections is a program of the National PTA. Its purpose is to provide an opportunity for students to use their creative talents by expressing themselves through their own original works. Begun in 1969, this cultural arts program is open to children from preschool through twelfth grade. Th e arts are an important part of every child’s education, and, just as important, the Refl ections Program is a fun project that can involve students, parents, teachers and the community.

Forks had 17 entries this year with 14 literature entries from the Middle School and three art entries from the High School.

Stephanie’s and Alex’s work was sent to the state level for judging. Th e state awards will be announced at the printing of this newsletter. Winners will go to the national level of competition.

A special thanks to MS English teacher Nicole Dimatos, who was a big help as co-chair and in making this happen this year after an absence of several years.

-Keith Rosko, HS art teacher

Alaijah Cheeseman and Alexandra Dimatos.Stephanie Zdimal.

Students are able to participate in these programs because of the PTA. Without our PTA, art students would not have these opportunities.

Please support your PTA so your students can continue to participate in programs such as these.

3March 2011

Music, from page 1.

Karleigh Voorhis and Gabe Whitney.

5-6 All-County Band

Front: Eric Yonda, Stacie Reynolds, Lauren Gridley, Mehtasim Mahfuz, Noelle Valla. Middle: Ben Haskell, Taylor Kimble, Amie Curyto, Hilary Rutkowski, Kira Hovancik, James Allen. Back: Dan Gridley, Pat Reardon, Tyler Lawton, Andrew Hosier, Mark Slocum.

High School All-County Chorus

Middle School All-County Chorus

Chris Roberts, Claire Stocum, Olivia Haskell.

BOE authorizes leadership study

At the January 13 Chenango Forks Board of Education (BOE) meeting, President Don Edwards was authorized to enter into a contract

with AdvisorySolutions to study the leadership structure of the district. Th e services of AdvisorySolutions are available through the New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA).

In these tough economic times, the BOE is interested in maintaining its current level of student achievement and has asked AdvisorySolutions to study the current leadership structure of the district. Th e district’s structure will then be compared to districts of similar size, demographics and student achievement levels. Th e study will provide the BOE with recommendations on how the current structure could be adjusted or maintained at current levels to ensure the district continues to improve student achievement in the most cost-eff ective manner.

Dr. Gregory Vogt, independent consultant with AdvisorySolutions, was in the district on January 27 and 28 to speak to members of the administrative team, supervisors, grade level coordinators, department chairs and the board president to learn more about our current structure and the duties that personnel in leadership positions perform. Dr. Vogt’s resume is extensive, including holding positions as principal, teacher and superintendent in school districts and BOCES in New York state.

Staff was invited to share concerns and suggestions to improve the district’s leadership structure, which was shared with grade-level coordinators, supervisors or department chairs.

Th e results of the study will be made available to Chenango Forks employees and community members in the near future.

-Bob Bundy, superintendent

DistrictDistrict

March 20114 DistrictDistrictTh e PTA may not be here next year - new offi cers needed

The Chenango Forks PTA is desperately looking for interested individuals to take on

leadership roles in the organization. No previous experience is required.

Th e current offi cers are ready to hand over the reins and are more than willing to work with interested individuals in showing you the ropes and assisting during the 2011-2012 school year. Th is is a great opportunity to give back to the community in a way that benefi ts the students of Chenango Forks.

With the current leadership moving on to other activities, there is a real danger that the Chenango Forks PTA could dissolve at the end of the current school year. Th is would result in the CF PTA returning $20,000 to the national PTA as the PTA by-laws call for.

Th is would also result in the loss of many programs and opportunities our students currently enjoy. Here is a list of the programs currently funded and sponsored by our PTA:Fall FestivalPenguin DayPARP literacy events Author visitsSports study hall (program for students in sports in the Middle School)

Souvenirs from fi eld trips (fourth- and fi fth-grade trips to the coal mine and Cooperstown) After-Prom Party entertainment, book fairs, Christmas Giving Tree prizes for the Kenyon Country Fair DJ for the fi fth-grade danceRefreshments provided for Middle School eighth-grade graduation Prizes for the fi tness journey Funding art events in the High School Eighth-grade honors partyFunding for reading rewards at Harshaw

Th e PTA also funded a Smartboard for Harshaw, author workshops in the High and Middle Schools, and the Middle School summer reading program rewards.

One other thing to consider: if the PTA is dissolved and we wish to restart it at a later time, the district will be required to have a separate PTA for each building. Th is means each building will need a complete executive board, four people for each building for a total of 16 volunteers. With fi nding four volunteers being problematic, fi nding 16 could be very diffi cult.

We need you to help the PTA continue our work in providing the many opportunities listed that the PTA provides to the children at Forks. You don’t need to have children currently in school to help shepherd our local

PTA. Th e only requirements are a desire to give back, attend monthly meetings, and the ability to reach out to the members of the Chenango Forks community to help with the coordination of various programs. Retirees, grandparents, parents new to the community, and, of course, parents with children currently in school are encouraged to get involved.

For additional information please contact anyone of the PTA’s current leadership team.

Jim Wachter, President phone: 656-8831e-mail: [email protected]

Heather Lake, Vice Presidentphone: 206-4559 e-mail: [email protected]

Th eresa Collier, Secretary phone: 648-7580e-mail: [email protected]

Christine Webb, Treasurerphone: 222-7520e-mail: Duff [email protected]

You can always attend a meeting. Th e next two meetings are on Tuesday, March 1, 6 p.m. and Tuesday, April 5, 3:30 p.m., CFE Library. Child care is provided.


Second-grade students will have the opportunity to attend the second of three special Morning Program presentations dedicated to Internet safety, which are

being provided throughout this school year. Th e next program is on March 23, at 9:05 a.m., in the CFE auditorium,

Chenango Forks High School students belonging to the group Cyber Information Agents (CIA mentors) will share a video they created on the topic of safe Internet behaviors. Following this viewing, second-grade students will be encouraged to participate in a discussion led by the CIA mentors on this topic. Parents of second-graders are invited to attend this presentation.

Th is past October, the presentation featured a review of the FBI Internet safety tips by New York State Trooper Torres. Coming in the spring, a presentation on cyber bullying will be provided.

We hope that these presentations, along with what the students learn in the library about using technologies such as computers, cell phones and other Internet-capable devices, will keep your child safe while using various technologies.

-Mona J. Wysocki, HP speech/language pathologist

Forks students stay safe while using the Internet

5March 2011 District/HarshawDistrict/HarshawPARP is here

Spring is right around the corner, and so is the PTA-sponsored PARP (Parents as Reading

Partners) program. Our annual program will begin March 1 with the music of local favorite John Simon. Th is year’s theme for PARP is “Harshaw Leaves No Reader Behind!”

Our guest author/illustrator is Kevin O’Malley, who has written several books, including co-authoring and illustrating the Miss Malarky series, “Gimme Cracked Corn,” “I Will Share,” “Animal Crackers Fly the Coop” and “Once Upon a Cool Motorcycle Dude.” You can check out his website at www.booksbyomalley.com. Watch for a book order form coming home soon.

After a month fi lled with reading activities, including the PTA-sponsored book fair, PARP will conclude with our annual PJ Night on March 25. PJ Night will feature a performance by Mrs. McPuppet and a play starring Chenango Forks staff and students. All of this is sponsored by your PTA. Without the PTA there would be no PARP. Please support the PTA.

Readers take the 1,000 Book Challenge

In honor of the author visit and PARP activities in March (see article above), Harshaw students also participated in a “1,000 Book Challenge.”

Th e 1,000 Book Challenge was based on the book “Miss Malarky Leaves No Reader Behind” by Kevin O’Malley, this year’s visiting author. Students in kindergarten through second grade were challenged to read 1,000 books as a grade during the month of February. Books read at home and in school counted toward the total. Progress was tracked using a fl ashlight chart in the main hallway. At the end of the challenge, students celebrated with a “read- in,” complete with hot cocoa and snacks.

Congratulations to our readers. You certainly met the challenge. -Nicole Waskie-Laura, HP library media specialist

Kevin O’Malley.John Simon.

Mrs. McPuppet.

Harshaw stays enthusiastic

Harshaw Morning Program character theme for March is enthusiasm. March is also “Rock and Read” month, when we celebrate PARP and Music

in Our Schools Month.

Th e word enthusiasm means being really interested and excited about something. What are you enthusiastic about? To celebrate Harshaw’s enthusiasm for reading and music, talented students and staff will share music and celebrate our love of books.

We’ll sing songs about books, including “Word by Word” by John Simon. Please join us. Morning Program is on days 2, 4, and 6 at 9:05 in the CFE auditorium. Come share our enthusiasm. We hope to see you there!

-Nicole Waskie-Laura, HP library media specialist

Th e fl ashlight chart used to track 1,000 books read.

Harshaw March dates3/1 PTA mtg., @ 6 p.m., CFE library

3/2 Dr. Seuss birthday celebration

3/13 Daylight savings time begins

3/15 Site Council mtg., @ 2:45 p.m.

3/18 Teacher in-service. No school for students

3/21-25 PTA Gertrude Hawk candy sale

-PARP committee

March 20116 HarshawHarshawStudents discover how to make music with science

The sounds of music rang out in Cindi Ferranti’s classes with a note of science added to the

sound. Th at’s because these fi rst-grade students combined music and science to learn how diff erent materials can make some really unique music.

In an eff ort to meet New York state science standards on energy, students used hand-made instruments to learn how sound is a form of energy, how to

identify vibration as the cause of sound, and how diff erent sounds can be made by using diff erent materials. Th ey also discussed pitch and volume.

For class homework, students created their own instruments, which they brought to class. One student made a tambourine out of two aluminum plates taped together with dry rice inside. Another made a drum using an empty coff ee container with plastic wrap tightly wrapped over the opening. Each

student talked about the instrument they made, how they made it, the materials they used and then played it for the class. Th en the class discussed the type of sound the instrument made, such as a high or low pitch. Some of these instruments are on display in the district offi ce.

By combining these two curriculums, students have a fun way to learn.

-Pati Maus, HP fi rst-grade teacher & Linda Myers, communications coordinator

Hats provide anti-drug message

The messages were clear as students in Karen Shapiro’s eighth-grade health classes shared with students in Harshaw their knowledge about the dangers of drugs.

Th e eighth-graders designed and created hats with anti-drug messages drawn and written on them and, when they traveled to Harshaw, gave them to the fi rst-grade students.

While at Harshaw, the eighth-graders talked to the fi rst-graders about the dangers of drugs. Each fi rst-grader received their own hat. Th e older students hope that the younger students will follow their advice and say “no” to drugs.

-Karen Shapiro, eighth-grade health teacher

Anna Hillis plays glasses fi lled with diff erent amounts of water.

Colby Fendick plays his guitar made out of a box with rubber bands.

Sarah LeMay taps her fl ute she made with diff erent lengths of pvc pipes.

Madison Ashman and Joseph Rowley receive their hats from Katie Steele.Braxton Depersiis, Jenna Tarvin and Avery Rose wear their new hats.

7March 2011 Harshaw/KenyonHarshaw/KenyonPrincipal’s message

Here at Harshaw we are often asked how parents can help support their children at home. Th ere are numerous ways, the most important being

spending time with your children. It could be reading a book together, playing a game, watching a movie or even baking cookies.

Young children love to spend time with their parents and it doesn’t have to be doing anything extravagant. Parents then ask, “What can I do to help my child academically?” Our response is to practice reciting nursery rhymes together, sing songs, tell stories or count. All of these activities will help your child develop good foundational skills in both literacy and mathematics. Please remember you are your children’s fi rst teachers and your help is essential to their continued success. Your support is greatly appreciated.

-Lori Pourby, HP principal

Students share science

It was a day for sharing science as Carolyn Waddell’s kindergarten class traveled to Kristen Rowlands’ fourth-grade class for some science sharing and learning.

Th e science lab involved students using batteries, bulbs, wires and alligator clips to test various objects to see which ones are conductors of electricity and which ones are insulators. Th ey learned that if the bulb lit, that object was a conductor, and if it did not light, it was an insulator. Th ey also used these same materials to make parallel and series circuits.

It was an interesting and fun way for both grades to learn about electricity. Th e older students also learned how to teach and share their knowledge with younger students.

-Kristen Rowlands, KI 4th-grade teacher

Keep those box tops coming

In November, I wrote an article explaining that

last year Harshaw collected over 15,000 box tops for education. Our challenge this year is to collect even more.

Th e money we get from these box tops will be used at Harshaw to buy academic items for our students. Last year we bought a “Smart Board.”

Don’t forget that box tops can be found on every day products such as General Mills cereal, Hefty plastic bags, Gogurt, Juicy Juice and Hamburger Helper. Send them in today.

-Lori Pourby, HP principal

Zachary Hessey, left, teaches Ty Near about electricity.Hannah Fuller, right, works with Emily Mugglin on conducting electricity.

Loretta Wachter, left, Angelique Talbot, center, and Briana Walker, right, just discovered some fun things about electricity.

March 20118 Harshaw/KenyonHarshaw/Kenyon

sidewalks around the building allow students who don’t have boots to still walk. When they use the track, the students are allowed to run, too.

While walking, students move their arms back and forth for extra exercise. Diamond said this started last April after a very long stretch of rain. Th e playground was too wet to play on, but the children needed to get out. Diamond said, “I decided to take them to the track to stretch their legs, and Moppert’s class joined us. We felt it was such a great activity with many benefi ts that we have continued it ever since.”

Walking outside provides many teachable moments as well. Diamond said, “We’ve seen many birds, including a bald eagle and other wildlife. One day we saw the moon and talked about it being a waxing gibbous, which we would not have seen

inside.” Th e students can visit with each other as they walk and it is a wonderful way for the teachers to chat with them to learn more about them.

Th ird-graders in Germano’s class go outside to walk on nice days, and on those not-so-nice days they fi nd ways to move inside. Each morning, before the school day starts, the students stretch in the classroom or go in the hallway by the gym to skip, jog, hop or do some type of movement. Germano said, “I see a diff erence in the students level of concentration when they get some form of exercise. It really does help.”

Doing this each day teaches the children how easy it is to get exercise and have fun at the same time. Th e children are able to concentrate better because of the break in instruction, they get much-needed physical exercise and no equipment is needed. Th is extra exercising also satisfi es the additional physical education requirement mandated by New York state.


“Movin,” from page 1.

Tracey Moppert leads the kindergartners on their walk.Students in Christina Germano’s class kick their legs down the hall as part of their morning exercise.

Kayla Pickard, Emma Stout and Hannah Jones skip in the hall.

Austin Cote-Vigas shares a smile as he gets his exercise.

9March 2011 KenyonKenyonHearts go out to soldiers

During the recognition assembly in February, Kenyon students chose to honor our armed forces by making care packages to send to

soldiers through Operation Shoebox.

As part of the care packages, students in art class created Valentine cards using various materials, including glitter, glue, markers and construction paper.

Th ey then practiced their writing skills by writing special messages to the soldiers. At the assembly, students dropped their Valentine cards in a special box. Students also collected toiletries, books, magazines, sunscreen, heat-resistant candy and spare change. Hundreds of items were collected to be sent to soldiers stationed around the world.


P.E. teaches the importance of fi tness

Whether in the classroom, on the track, walking outside or in physical education class, Kenyon students are fi nding ways to stay fi t, strong and healthy.

In P.E., students have been moving, jumping, fl ipping, climbing, tumbling and practicing yoga. By doing these movements, they’ve learned how important it is to use and keep core muscles strong and why it’s important to have good balance and strength. By learning and practicing these physical fi tness activities these young students can keep their bodies strong and healthy throughout their life.

-Kelly Hillis, KI P.E. teacher

Josie Kaminsky and Zachary Furch write messages on their Valentine cards.

Upper left and above: Laura Huyck works on tumbling and core strength.

Left: Hannah Nelson practices a yoga move.

Upper right: Julianne Sbarra stretches.

Right: David Puglisi climbs the rope.

March 201110 KenyonKenyonPrincipal’s messageNew York state testing changes

Several things were changed by the New York State Education Department regarding the

assessments students in grades 3-8 take each year.

Th e fi rst change occurred during the summer of 2010, which I wrote about in the September newsletter. Th is change was “raising the bar” and changing the score used to determine whether a student was profi cient or not.

Th e next change takes place with this year’s testing to make the tests more “rigorous” and allow student growth, from year-to-year, to be measured more accurately. Th e information to the left shows the number of items being tested and the impact on the length of the exams. Th is mainly aff ects students in grades three and fi ve as the ELA grade-four exam has always been longer.

Th e third change will take place in a few years when the new common core standards are implemented as the basis for what is taught and assessed.

Why the change? Changes in the state assessments and instruction are being driven by the College and Career Readiness initiative in New York state. Th is is in response to a national focus on our place in the global economy and how students from the U.S. compare to other nations in regards to the percent of students successfully completing college.

What are we doing to prepare students? Our literacy instruction is grounded in teaching all CF students in the standard areas of listening, reading and writing. Th is core instruction helped students be successful on past exams. To ensure that students are familiar with the format and length of the exams, we have partnered with Broome-Tioga BOCES to create a practice exam. In the past, we used previous year exams, but the length and format changes were too signifi cant to do that this year.

Teachers are discussing and collaborating to ensure that the revised items are taught to students through the creation of parallel tasks that mirror what they will see on the exams.

District-wide, we are having on-going discussions and work sessions to re-align our writing curriculum to prepare for implementation of the common core standards.

-Bernie McDermott, KI principal

2011 ELA grade 3 exam

3 booklets; 3 days

9-10 passages

43-45 multiple-choice

7 short-response

1 extended-response

150 minutes total


2 booklets; 2 days

4-5 passages

24 multiple-choice

3 short-response

1 editing paragraph

75 minutes total


3 booklets; 3 days

10-11 passages


7 short-response

1 extended-response

160 minutes total


3 booklets; 3 days

7-8 passages

28 multiple-choice

5 short-response

2 extended-response

150 minutes total


3 booklets; 3 days

9-10 passages


7 short-response

1 extended-response

150 minutes total


3 booklets; 3 days

4-5 passages

24 multiple-choice

2 short-response

1 editing paragraph

75 minutes total

Kenyon March dates

3/1 PTA mtg., @ 6 p.m., CFE library


3/15 Site Council mtg., @ 2:30 p.m., room 221



11March 2011

“Caught with Character”KenyonKenyon

It’s who you are. It’s what you do. It’s the way you live your life.

Character counts!

Los estudiantes aprenden sobre México

Translation: Students learn about Mexico. Th at is exactly what third-graders in Lisa Moody’s class did over the last few weeks in their social studies unit,

ending with a Mexican fi esta.

Students learned about Mexico’s geography, history, economics and government. As a culminating activity, students celebrated with a Mexican fi esta. Students wore sombreros and the boys wore mustaches. Food included salsa, queso, corn bread, tortillas and Mexican desserts.

Th e real fun during the fi esta was the pinata. A traditional Mexican game, students, while blindfolded, tried to hit the candy-fi lled pinata. It was a great time for everyone and a fun way to learn about another country.

-Lisa Moody, 3rd-grade teacher

Lisa Moody’s 3rd-grade class

Pam Johnson’s 4th-grade class

Vince Allio’s 5th-grade class

Cameron Drumm and Aladriel Backman.

Cameron Drumm and Hunter Gibbore attempt to hit the pinata.

March 201112 Kenyon/Middle SchoolKenyon/Middle School

Winter concert another success

Once again, the Kenyon chorus and band put on a great winter concert, held on January 19. Both groups fi rst began making music together at the

start of this year, and they have come a really long way since then.

Th e chorus, under the direction of Cindi Ferranti, featured a very confi dent group sound with several soloists. Th e band, under the direction of Drew Allport, has gone from learning which end to blow into to a great ensemble performance.

Thanks to all the parents who put up with some very “interesting” sounds at home as these student musicians learned how to play their respective instrument.

We are looking forward to another great performance when we feature our annual Spring Concert on May 4. -Drew Allport, KI music/band teacher

Is what we see always real? Is the way someone looks in a photo or on video a reality or a myth? Students in Karen Shapiro’s Middle

School health classes asked those questions as they studied and learned about body image and the perceptions that can be created.

A portion of the lesson included facts about how the media can sometimes portray movie stars, models, musicians and other famous, high-profi le celebrities in misleading ways.

High school art teacher Keith Rosko visited Shapiro’s classes and engaged the students in an activity on photo retouching. Using software such as Photoshop, Rosko took “before” pictures and then, using the software, created a new look for students as he altered their images using computer technology.

Th e students saw how easy it is to make someone look completely diff erent than what they look like in reality. Th ey learned that “seeing isn’t always believing.”

-Karen Shapiro, MS health teacher

Lyndsey Stone as a sixth-grade Middle School student.

Is that how you really look?

Lyndsey Stone after some creative work by High School art teacher Keith Rosko. With the use of Photoshop, Lyndsey now resembles singer Taylor Swift.

Left to right: Destany Howe, Sarah Juran and Neira Mujcic play the fl ute.

13March 2011 Middle SchoolMiddle School

Middle Schoolers: Wired or Re-Wired ?

Children today are wired diff erently, therefore we should teach them diff erent material and in a diff erent manner. Th at’s what some say.

Th ere is a school of thought today that middle school teachers should pay more attention to the new type of middle-schooler. According to some, by the time a child enters middle school, he or she has been rewired by the constant use of computers, iPhones, iPads, WiFi, and whatever else the electronic market place is deeming vital to life. According to some, children need to be taught diff erently because they are diff erent.

Th ese same people say that we have to wow them with wondrous techno-tools every minute of every day. School and learning should be an adventure with instant gratifi cation available with the touch of an iPad.

Others say that children today are not that diff erent. Th ey are growing, changing, human beings who are impacted by their genetics and their environment. Th e human brain has been evolving over the past million years or so and it is a slow process. Middle school brains really haven’t been rewired. However, most would agree that what is being sent over the wires is somewhat diff erent and much larger in volume. Children receive and retrieve messages constantly from everywhere and everyone. Th ey have adjusted to, and, expect instant communication, instant imagery and instant information.

So what do we teach them and how? Like always, through the history of time, children need to learn to think. Th ey need to think ahead, think about the impacts of their actions, and think about right and wrong. Th ey must learn to think critically. Th ey need to learn to not judge a book by its cover or, more

aptly, not judge a Wiki page by its introduction. Th ey must learn that there are simple answers to everything; however, those simple answers can be wrong. Th ey also need to love learning. Th ese were the goals of schools of the past and should be the goals of schools of the present. One should also know that achieving a goal is still done with determination, concentration and hard work. Teachers also need to remember that it is the teacher’s job to provide inspiration, excitement and enthusiasm.

Th erefore, our classrooms do have to be technologically advanced. However, students must learn to use technology wisely. Th at may mean we have to change the way many children use technology. Many children use technology only for entertainment, gossip, and, yes, bullying. Teachers must use technology and teach the use of technology for more purposeful reasons. We must retrain, and, rewire our students to use technology as a tool for analyzing and acquiring knowledge. To that end we encourage and honor the eff orts of our Middle School teachers.

At the Middle School, we pride ourselves on the use of technology; but only because it makes knowledge more accessible, it speeds up the learning process, and it excites our students. Th e use of technology isn’t a goal in itself. Technology is simply a tool for reaching our goals. Whether we are wiring or re-wiring our childrens’ brains is unknown. What we know is that our goal is to develop students who can think in-depth and critically. Also, we know we must do our utmost to develop students who will someday become the solid citizens, engineers and designers of tomorrow’s technology.

-Bill Burke, MS principal


3/4 25-week progress report




Middle School March dates

March 201114 Middle SchoolMiddle SchoolBalloons power race cars

Cars can use many sources of power to move and eighth-grade students in Drew Rullo’s physical science class used the power of a balloon to make their cars go.

At the conclusion of their study of motion and forces, students constructed balloon cars from their own designs and materials to achieve maximum distance.

After building the cars outside of class, students raced them in class and completed a lab write-up that discussed speed, acceleration, velocity, force, Newton’s laws and friction.

At the end of the project and laboratory activity, students won awards for maximum distance, best design and most eff ort as voted on by their classmates.

Winners for maximum distance: Anthony Frissora (18.5m, a record), Caleb Kellicut (10.5m), Sam Johnson (9.0m), and Emily Abdallah (8.25m).

Winners for best design: Katie Matson, Mia Hayes, Ryan Bronson, Melissa Sweet and Megan LeVasseur.

Winners for most eff ort: Katie Matson, Brandon Woolston, Alex Stout-Moran, Melissa Sweet and Anthony Frissora. Great job students!

-Drew Rullo, MS science teacher

Front, l-r: Anthony Frissora, Caleb Kellicut, Alex Stout-Moran. Back, l-r: Emily Abdallah, Brandon Woolston, Mia Hayes, Samantha Johnson.

Student wins “Art for Heart”

Using their knowledge of what it means to have a healthy heart, Middle

School art students created heart art messages for a local poster contest. WSKG and UHS promoted a healthy lifestyle by inviting students to participate in an “Art for Heart” poster contest.

Submitted artwork needed to include a healthy message like healthy eating and/or exercising. Th ere are eight grand prize winners who will have their art work displayed on billboards around the area. Seventh-grader Madison Grady-O’Brennan won a spot on a billboard. Great job Madison!

Students receive honorable mention

The Chenango Forks Art Department is pleased to announce that two of our

students were honored in the 68th Annual National Scholastic Art Award program at the Arnot Art Museum. Th is is an enormous achievement since the regional affi liate received 628 works for judging and only 134 received an award.

Th is prestigious award was given to Claire Stocum, seventh grade, and Ethan Timms, eighth grade. Th eir drawings were entered in a very diffi cult category, with both receiving honorable mention.

Th e students were honored at the 68th Annual Awards Ceremony on February 13 at Th e Clemens Center in Elmira.

Madison Grady- O’Brennan.

Claire Stocum and Ethan Timms.

Madison’s poster.

-art articles submitted by Jessica Russell, MS art teacherCreated by Ethan Timms. Created by Claire Stocum.

15March 2011 Middle SchoolMiddle SchoolStudent of the month

Front: Sydney Slottje (Spanish IB-J. Pepples), Audrey Orzelek (Academic Achievement 8-R. Fortier & Art-J. Russell), Seamus Houlihan (Health 8-K. Shapiro), Victoria Transue (Home & Career Skills 8-D. Daniels). Back: Blaine Russ (Regents Earth Science-L. Brooks), Destani Kuzma (Academic Achievement 8-M. LoPiccolo), Hunter Kermidas (French 7-J. Myers), Matt Martinichio (Math-D. Lynch), Mary-Ann Villella (Social Studies 7-D. Honsinger), Jarred Riegel (Math 8-J. Stocum).

Front: Morgan Vavra (Home & Career Skills 6-L. Breck), Alexandria Moses (Academic Achievement-J. Stark), Derek Everett (Social Studies 6-P. Kamp), Dustin Gould (Academic Achievement-H. Vasina). Back: Matthew Starr (Health-K. Shapiro), Kaitlyn Bambino (Reading-K. Church), Julia Rhodes (Technology 6-L. Baxter), Alyssa House P.E. 6-P. Dykeman), Emily Robinson (Written Expression -M. O’Hearn), Coulter Wiley (Math 6-T. Urda).

Front: Jack Sherwood (Math 8A-M. Tio), Jonathan Th rall (Spanish IB-J. Pepples), Trevor Borchardt (Social Studies 7-C. Spencer), Cody Lamond (P. E.-P. Derr), Anthony Silvanic (Home & Career Skills 7-L. Breck). Back: Abigail Smith (Computers 8-M. Santacrose), Kelly Saroka (Science 7A-D. Rullo), Kyra Salinkas (Spanish 7-M. Gregrow), Olivia Haskell (English 7-N. Dimatos), Claire Stocum (Science 7-C. Church), Zach Jeavons (P.E.-P. Derr), Unavailable for photo: Lyndsey Confer (Band 6-J. Dybas).

Front: Devin Hopkins (Home & Career Skills 8-L. Breck), Zach Norton (English 8-M. Zappia), Mason Rowe (French I-N. Dimatos), Ethan Timms (Technology 8-L. Baxter). Back: Cody Bogue (P.E.-P. Derr), Michael Bubniak (Social Studies 8-C. Spencer), Jacob Hunink (Band 8-J. Dybas & English 8-B. Wilson), Taylor Robinson (Band 7-J. Dybas), Ryan Nicholas (Spanish -M. Gregrow). Unavailable for photo: James Stethers (Academic Achievement-P. Swartout).

Front: Elena Shelepak (P.E. 7-P. Dykeman), Emma Haley (Technology 7-L. Baxter), Mackenzie Bronson (English 7-D. Honsinger). Back: Natalie Valla (P.E. 8-P. Dykeman & Regents Earth Science-T. Giovenco), Megan Maus (Art-J. Russell). Unavailable for photo: Caleb Kellicutt (Science 8-D.Rullo), Cory Bennett (Science 6-T. Vermaat), Michael Panko (Art-J. Russell).

March 201116

Students jam with the pros

It was musical excitement for members of the Middle and High School jazz bands when members of

the performing ensemble Unity Group conducted a workshop in February. Th e performers worked with students on breathing, sound production, improvising, hearing the music, and “fi nding the groove” in music.

At the end of the workshop, the students and members of Unity Group all got together for a group “jam.” Every

jazz band member had the opportunity to improvise with the group. Th e workshop culminated in a joint performance of all three groups at the Jazz Cabaret on February 7, where the students and Unity Group took turns “jamming” with each other on several tunes. Members of the jazz bands were excited about working and performing with professional musicians as well as being able to learn from them and pick up some pointers on playing.

Middle School jazz band director Jamie Dybas said, “I was amazed at the music my students could create when they were released from the burden of looking at music.” Sixth-grader Aidan Houlihan said, “Th at was fun!”

Th e workshop and performance by Unity Group were made possible through Broome-Tioga BOCES Arts-in-Education program.

-Jamie Dybas, MS band director

Middle School/High SchoolMiddle School/High School

Sax player Robert Weinberger, of Unity Group, demonstrates breathing techniques.

Unity Group bass player Joseph Perkins practices with senior John Comfort.

Junior Erik Johnson gets some advice from Unity group drummer Jim Rosati.

Sixth-grader Justin Goosley and Unity Group drummer Jim Rosati fi nd a beat.

Unity Group guitar player Harris Th or shows seventh-grader Liam Walsh various fi nger placements.

17March 2011 Middle School/High SchoolMiddle School/High School

Students continue their science journey

Day two of our second overnight fi eld trip began when we left the Carriage Motor Inn at 6:30 a.m. on our frost-bitten adventure to Rose Hill near Skaneatles, N.Y. Th is is a regionally famous

fossil collecting spot where we gathered samples of life that existed here 380 million years ago. From there we trudged to the Seneca Stone Quarry where Tim Conner, former CF science department chairman and now SUNY Cortland professor, explained the geologic history of the area and presented us

with several stratigraphic “thought puzzles” to solve.

On our next stop, paleontologist Trish Smerczak guided us through the Museum of the Earth in Trumansburg. Our day was capped off with a tour of SUNY Cortland, conducted by 2010 CF grad Collin Nowalk, and a lecture on Ice Ages in the Finger Lakes by SUNY Cortland geomorphology professor Dr. David Barclay.

We dragged our weary but enlightened souls home, eager for the warmth of our own beds after another 40-hour marathon in the fi eld.

-Zack Clink, HS senior

Intramurals off er students a fun way to practice a favorite sport

Intramurals in the Middle School for years has been a fun way for students to practice sports in which they hope to participate at the high school level and to interact with

their classmates in a team environment.Recently, Middle School students participated in volleyball.Congratulations to the “Heartbreakers” on being the sixth-grade intramural volleyball champions. Th ey overcame a slow

start to pull off the victory over the “Razzmatazz.” Great job on the victory.

Congratulations to the “Baconators” on being the eighth-grade volleyball champions. Th ey defeated the “Cheesey Doodles” in a tough match. Th e Baconators were on the verge of a loss in the second game but had a brilliant serve to win. Great game by both teams.

Sixth-grade champions the Heartbreakers. Front: Alex Yoest, Ryan Eherts, Tim McDonald, Lyndsey Stone. Back: Taylor Gibbore, Parker Urso, Kevin Solomon, Kyle Norton.

Eighth-grade champions the Baconators. Front: Hunter Luybli, James Pattwell, Robert Story, Ryan Bronson. Back: Brooke Crowningshield, Katie Matson, Vanessa Mirch.

-Paul Derr, MS P.E. teacher

Tim Conner lectures the class at the Seneca Stone Quarry.

Lauren Gridley and Chelsea Kane are framed by an eroded Moss Island pothole.

March 201118 Middle School/High SchoolMiddle School/High School

CF alumna completes marathon

CF 2008 graduate Lisa Radley ran in the 2011 Disney World Marathon, held in January. Her reason: to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as a St.

Jude Hero and to honor the memory of CF student Kelly O’Day, who passed away in 2006 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Th rough generous contributions from CF teachers and students, Lisa collected $746.15 in donations for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Th at is enough money to supply oxygen for a child for one day, two chest X-rays, and one platelet count test. It is donations such as these that keep the hospital running and allows it to continue saving lives.

Lisa said, “As for the marathon, I could not have asked for a better experience. Th ere were about 18,000 happy and excited participants, 5,000 did not complete the race, and I came in 5,585th with a time of 4 hours, 46 minutes. Overall, the marathon was the most humbling experience I have yet to encounter. Th e fans cheering on the sidelines were a huge source of motivation for the runners. It brought tears to my eyes when we got into the higher miles of 23 or 24, when it started to become challenging

to keep moving, and fans would cheer “Go St. Jude Heroes!” It made me remember who I was running for and it made me realize that the pain I was feeling was nothing compared to what the children at St. Jude feel every day...nothing like what Kelly felt. It made me realize that I had a choice to put myself through this and there was a designated end in sight; the sick children don’t have a choice. I was happy that I could run for a good cause. Th ank you again for all of your help and support.”

-Lisa Radley, 2008 CF graduate & Linda Myers, communications coordinator

Graduate receives science award

Members of the High School Science Department, including former department chairman Tim Conner, congratulated 2009 CF graduate Tiff any Evanchof,

recipient of this year’s Science Department Service Award.

Tiff any has coordinated fi eld trips for BCC environmental and geology classes to Syracuse University and SUNY ESF, has helped our Envirothon team prepare for competitions, and has provided our environmental teachers with the latest information available in that fi eld. We thank Tiff any for all her help and congratulate her on receiving this coveted award.

-Larry Brooks, HS science teacher

Lisa after fi nishing the marathon.

Tiff any Evanchof, third from right, with members of the science department.

Special education teacher named

We are pleased to announce the addition of Kayla Pokorak to the K-12 special education team at Chenango Forks Middle School. Pokorak proved

to be the most highly qualifi ed and certifi ed candidate to fi ll a mid-year opening created by the retirement of Valerie Winters from Kenyon. With the large pool of excellent special education teachers available, this is an outstanding accomplishment.

Pokorak will be fi lling a special education position at the Middle School as Heather Vasina returns to Kenyon to replace Winters. Pokorak received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Nazareth College in Rochester and earned her Master of Science degree from the College of Saint Rose. Before coming to Chenango

Forks, she was a special education teacher for the Delaware-Chenango-Madison-Otsego BOCES. In addition, she served as a substitute teacher in the East Greenbush and the Susquehanna Valley school districts.

She holds certifi cations in teaching students with disabilities at the childhood level (grades 1-6) and at the middle childhood level (grades 5-9); childhood education (grades 1-6); literacy education (grades birth-6), and in Spanish, (grades 5-9, pending.) Please welcome her to our Chenango Forks School District staff and community.

-Kathleen Dixon, assistant superintendent

19March 2011

Student of the month

High SchoolHigh School

High School March dates3/1 PTA mtg., @ 6 p.m., CFE library

3/4 25-week progress report BCMEA Festival I, CF High School

3/5 BCMEA Festival I, Anderson Center


3/11-12 BCMEA Festival II, Anderson Center

3/12 SAT


3/18-19 BCMEA Festival III, Anderson Center


3/23 Career Expo, Binghamton University

Emily DeYoung (Design & Drawing for Production-G. Reid & Earth Science-L. Brooks), Samantha Guth English-B. Wilson), Michael Diekow (French II-J. Myers), Joshua Shelepak (Earth Science-T. Giovenco).Unavailable for photo: Jesse Redfern (Biology-J. Roosa), Madeline Staiger (Biology-J. Roosa).

Freshmen SophomoresAmanda Stevens (Geometry-T. Sanford), Alex Kelly (Regents Chemistry-S. Steward), David Stermer (Algebra 2/Trig-M. Fendick). Unavailable for photo: Nicolas Cannon (Foods 1-D. Daniels), Marissa Gorenfl o (Health Education-K. Shapiro), Timothy Hulbert (Global-R. Condon), Ashley Roman P.E.-N. Fersch), Alicia Schulz English-K. Taylor), Michaela Transue (P.E.-N. Fersch).

JuniorsJoseph Santi (P.E.-S. Busch), Stephanie Zdimal (Drawing Basics-K. Rosko & Regents Physics-S. Laine), Emily Feldpausch (Regents Chemistry-L. Tecza), Bradley Oliver Spanish IV-M. Black), Erik Johnson English-A. Gumble). Unavailable for photo: George Getson (Geometry/Trig II-A. Biddle), Marissa Valdes (Algebra/Trig II-A. Biddle).

Front: Maria Camp (Child Development-D. Daniels), Andrew Krolczyk (BCC Geology-L. Brooks), Dana Ferranti (Psychology-C. Spencer), Tyler Lawton (Economics-K. Darling). Back: Kaitlyn Hulbert (Spanish III-M. Black), Emily Burke (Public Speaking-A. Gumble), Jessica Collyer (Band-N. Wildoner.Unavailable for photo: Mackenzie Faughnan (Gothic Lit-K. Taylor), Amber Jacobson (PIG-K. Darling), John Pattwell (Computer Aided Design-G. Reid), James Pesko (P.E.-V. Kwartler), David Williams Residential Constr-G. Reid & US History-K. Darling).

Seniors

March 201120 Home of the Blue DevilsHome of the Blue Devils1 Gordon DriveBinghamton, NY 13901

Nonprofi t OrganizationU.S. Postage PAID

Permit No. 155Binghamton, NY 13901

Meetings & Reminders


3/8 & 9 CFCA spring sports sign-ups, 6-8 p.m., HS cafeteria

3/10 BOE mtg., @ 7 p.m., MS library


3/14 CFCA Board mtg., @ 7 p.m., HS lecture 1


Superintendent of SchoolsBob Bundy

Assistant SuperintendentKathleen Dixon

Business ExecutiveKathy Blackman

Communications CoordinatorLinda Myers

ECRWSS Postal Patron

Petitions for Board of Education seat

Petitions for the Board of Education seat to fi ll the expired fi ve-year term presently held by Don Vredenburgh may be obtained from Dawn Phoenix,

district clerk. Th e new term will terminate on June 30, 2016. Petitions must be returned no later than 5 p.m., April 18, 2011, to Phoenix in the business offi ce. Th e minimum number of signatures required is 25.

-Dawn Phoenix, district clerk

Learn to be a board member

If you’re interested in becoming a school board

member, the Broome-Tioga School Boards Association is sponsoring a “Prospective Board Member Workshop.”

Date: April 6, 2011Time: 7:30 p.m.Location: Broome-Tioga BOCES435 Glenwood RoadBinghamton, NY 13905Instructional Support CenterConference Room A

Th e workshop will cover challenges in dealing with special interest groups, expectations of colleagues and administrators, legal responsibilities and election procedures. A panel of current school board members will answer questions and take-home material will be provided. Pre-registration is recommended. To register, contact the district clerk at 648-7564.

For more information about the workshop, contact John Paske at 766-3807 or [email protected]. To download information go to www.btboces.org/sba.


Your CF PTA may dissolve next year. Please see the article on page 4 to find out how

you can help save the PTA.

nnewsletterewsletter · positions perform. dr. vogt’s resume is extensive, including holding...

Documents