SyracuSe city School DiStrict Summer VeX robotics competition expands

Syracuse City
School District
News from the schools
August & September 2015
Summer VEX Robotics
Competition Expands
P. 8
Building
Men Summer
Camp Teaches
Emotional and
Academic Skills
SCSD Performers
Present Annual
All-City Musical
p.12
New Faces: Meet the
Principals!
2015-16 Start and
Dismissal Times
p.13
p.15
AND
MORE!
P.6
MISSION
To build, support and sustain
school communities that provide
all students with a high-quality
education that prepares them to
graduate as responsible, active
citizens ready for success in college
and careers and prepared to
compete in a global economy.
VISION
To become the most improved
urban school district in America.
ULTIMATE GOAL
An educational community that
graduates every student as a
responsible, active citizen prepared
for success in college, careers and
the global economy.
NE
APPW!
syracusecityschools.com
Stay Connected
Stay Involved
August & September 2015
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Derrick Dorsey
Vice President
Patricia Body
David Cecile
Mark D. Muhammad
Maxwell Ruckdeschel
Stephen Swift
Administrative Staff
Sharon L. Contreras, Ph.D.
Superintendent
Jaime Alicea
Chief Operations Officer
Cheryl Atkinson, Ed.D.
Chief Ombuds Officer
Kim Bradley
Chief of Staff
Brandan Keaveny, Ed.D.
Chief Accountability
Officer
Linda Mulvey
Chief Academic Officer
Suzanne Slack
Chief Financial Officer
Mailing Address:
1025 Erie Boulevard West
Syracuse, NY 13204
News from the Schools
Did you know that young people can
experience learning losses—up to two
months of math skills, for example—when
they do not take part in educational
activities over the summer? Our students
and staff, however, have been busy
participating in enrichment opportunities.
Our high school students spent grueling
days preparing for the All-City Musical;
our middle school students hit the links
and learned golf skills through the First
Tee Syracuse program; and our elementary
students kept their minds active by
participating in the Mayor’s All Stars
Summer Reading Challenge! Even faculty
and staff continued to learn in the summer
months. More than 1,100 educators took
part in professional development classes
to ensure that they are at their best and
are prepared to make great happen in the
coming school year!
Congratulations SCSD Students!
SCSD Students Win Delta Sigma Theta
Scholarships
The Syracuse Alumnae Chapter of the
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority held the
40th annual May Week Scholarship and
Fortitude Awards Celebration at the
DoubleTree by Hilton Syracuse. Eleven
SCSD students and others from local
schools received scholarships. The SCSD
students recognized were: Jabril Moore,
Leah Sinclair Tucker, Fatuma Bile and
Samixchha Raut of Nottingham; Alexis
Walker, Jaylen
Worrell, Ilean Corry
and Jerri White of
Corcoran; Nyhrie
Balaam-McGriff
of ITC; N’Daisha
Williams of Fowler
and Corcor Ismael
Diaz of Henninger.
dent
Stu
SPOTLIGHT
2
Of course, our focus will remain, as always,
on ensuring that each student in the SCSD
receives a quality education that makes
him or her college, career or civic ready.
We are pleased to continue and expand
our Career and Technical Education
programs, as well as our partnerships with
community organizations like the MOST,
Baltimore Woods, Redhouse, Syracuse
University, Catholic Charities and Peaceful
Schools.
I am confident that our SCSD community
will continue to achieve great expectations
in the coming school year. Working
together, we will continue to make great
happen!
Corcoran Grad Recognized as All-State
Hockey Player
Sean Eccles, a 2015 graduate of
Corcoran, was named an All-State
Division 1 hockey player by the
New York State High School Hockey
Coaches Association! In his final high
school season, the defenseman led
his team with 35 goals and 54 points,
helping the Cougars finish with a 193-1 record. Eccles was also named the
All-CNY Hockey Player of the Year by
The Post Standard.
A multi-sport athlete, Sean will be
playing lacrosse for the University of
Albany this year. Best of luck, Sean!
Corcoran Student Attends Congress of
Future Science & Technology Leaders
Corcoran sophomore Mara Nunez
was selected to attend the National
Mara had the opportunity to hear
Nobel Laureates and National Medal
of Science winners talk about scientific
research, get advice from deans of top
tech universities, lean about the latest
advances in technology and socialize
with other teen science prodigies.
“I learned how these people got to
where they are, what they did and
hopefully I will become one of them
someday,” she added.
Congratulations, Mara!
Fowler Alumni Recognized for
Achievements in Cosmetology,
Electrical Fields
Fowler alumna Menas Hadi (’15) and
alumnus Douglas Harrison (’14) have
been recognized for their achievements
in trade fields, making their way in the
fields of cosmetology and electrical
work, respectively.
Menas became a licensed
cosmetologist prior to her graduation
in June, thanks to the Cosmetology
program at her high school.
“Fowler is the only school that offers
this program,” Menas explained. “I
have always loved cosmetology, and
this was a great opportunity for me
to be in the field and at school at the
same time. It allowed me to balance
cosmetology and schoolwork—it was
perfect.”
That focus on school is significant
to Menas, who started class at
LeMoyne College this summer to
study biological science. With plans
to one day open her own salon, she is
also passionate about continuing her
education and wants to earn another
degree as a back up.
Alum Douglas Harrison, meanwhile,
was among the first group of students
to graduate from Fowler’s Introduction
to Electrical Trades program in 2014.
Now, he is employed with Phoenix
Electric and is a member of the
International Brotherhood of Electrical
Workers (IBEW) Local 43 union of
Professional Electricians!
For Douglas, the experience to study
a trade during high school was
appealing, despite the hard work
required. He first needed to complete
the intensive program at Fowler, and
then pass an apprenticeship test.
“I got accepted into the union and
I have applied to be an apprentice,”
Douglas explained. “I’m currently
employed as a Construction Wireman.
Everything [SCSD teacher] Mr. Wilson
taught me, I need to know. You have to
know your tools and cables and wires
and codes. Without that, if you go in
a building and you can’t recognize
and fix the problem, it won’t pass
inspection.”
The hard work and dedication required
of the Electrical Trades program
has placed Douglas on a path to a
stable future, he said, noting that the
program allowed him to jump right
into a career. A job is temporary, but a
career is forever, he explained.
Important Dates
September 2015
7
Labor Day (No School)
8
First Day of School- Full Day
8
All Modified Sports Begin
9
Board of Education Meeting
12
ACT Test
17
Special Education Community
Advisory Council Meeting
October 2015
3
SAT & Subject Tests
8
Special Education Community Advisory
Council Meeting
12
Columbus Day (No School)
14
Board of Education Meeting
14
PSAT/ NMSQT Administration
24
ACT Test
27
Superintendent’s Parent Council
Meeting
28
PSAT/ NMSQT Administration
30
Elementary & Middle School Marking
period Ends
Public Hearings Announced
for SCSD Schools Entering
Receivership
9/8 Delaware Academy Auditorium, 5:30 PM
9/10 Lincoln MS Library, 5:00 PM
9/10 Dr. King Library, 5:00 PM
9/10 Westside Academy Cafeteria, 5:00 PM
“It’s not easy work,” Douglas added.
“But it will be worth it in the end.
Hopefully my story motivates current
students to get focused and do what
they need to do to succeed.”
9/12
Dr. Weeks Cafeteria, 11:00 AM
9/15 Fowler HS Library, 6:00 PM
9/16 Nottingham HS Cafeteria, 7:00 PM
9/16 Hughes Cafeteria, 6:00 PM
9/17 Frazer PK-8 Auditorium, 6:00 PM
Congratulations to Menas and
Douglas! You are both great examples
to the future graduates of your alma
mater.
9/17
Henninger Cafeteria, 6:00 PM
9/21 Danforth MS Auditorium, 6:00 PM
9/22 Bellevue Cafeteria, 5:00 PM
9/23 Grant MS Auditorium, 5:00 PM
9/23
Porter Auditorium, 5:30 PM
9/24 Franklin Cafeteria, 5:00 PM
9/24
Van Duyn Cafeteria, 5:30 PM
9/28
HW Smith PK-8 Cafeteria, 5:30 PM
9/29
Seymour Cafeteria, 5:00 PM
August & September 2015
Physical Address:
725 Harrison Street
Syracuse, NY 13210
It is with great excitement that I welcome
you to the 2015-2016 school year! Our
students, faculty and staff all spent the
summer preparing to make this year a
productive one.
In 2015-2016, we are setting new goals that
will allow us to improve school climates
and build stronger relationships between
students, parents and school staff. We will
continue to work with staff on creating
positive and engaging classrooms and
have implemented a new Teaching is the
Core program to help teachers work at
their most efficient, to maximize student
learning.
As a member of her school’s robotics
team, having taken a technology class
at Corcoran and with plans to enroll
in an International Baccalaureate
(IB) course in the field, Mara was a
perfect fit. “I really like engineering,”
she explained. “I want to become an
engineer. There were a lot of people at
the conference who are important to
the technology field, like the man who
invented the Segway!”
“I have always loved cosmetology and
making women feel beautiful,” Menas
added. “We are all beautiful and we
just need that extra bit of glam! I like
to make everyone feel happy with
themselves. The program was definitely
worth the effort—I’m so excited to get
my license in the mail!”
News from the Schools
August & September 2015
Michelle Mignano
President
Dear Parents & Families,
Academy of Future Scientists and
Technologists, a three-day honors
program for students who are
passionate about STEM fields.
News from the schools
3
August & September 2015
News from the Schools
A Message to the Parents
of Students in the Syracuse
City School District
Agencies of both the State and Federal
governments regulate asbestos in the
public schools. With the enactment
of the Asbestos Hazard Emergency
Response Act (AHERA) in 1987, all
Local Educational Agencies (LEAs)
are required to identify asbestoscontaining material (ACM) in schools
and to formulate written plans to
control and prevent the release of
asbestos fibers in the future.
Buildings owned or leased by the
Syracuse City School District have
been inspected, and samples of
suspect ACM have been analyzed by
Environmental Protection Agency
accredited laboratories. The results
of these inspections are available in
school administrative offices. Included
in these plans are specific operations
and maintenance programs designed
for each building for the control of
asbestos.
Implementation of the response
recommendations began July 9,
1989. Since the implementation of
the AHERA Management Plan, the
Syracuse City School District has
conducted formal inspections at six
month intervals and, in compliance
with the law, will complete two more
in the 2015-2016 school year in
October and April. State and Federal
mandates require that a triennial
reinspection occur sometime within
three years of the first AHERA
inspection. The Syracuse City School
District conducted a triennial
reinspection in April 2013. The results
of this reinspection can be found
in each building in the AHERA
Management Plan. As the District
renovates buildings, ACM is removed
to the extent practical.
Syracuse City School District school
buildings including support buildings
that have been identified to contain
ACM may have had some response
action work completed in their
buildings during the 2014-2015
school year. The details of those
specific response actions have been
documented in writing and can be
found in the AHERA Management
Plan located in the administrative
office of each building.
If at any time the status or condition
of any ACM is changed or disturbed
through alterations, renovations
or episodic release, it will be
documented and Management Plans
will be updated. We will continue
to implement our Management
Plans and alert the public about the
District’s efforts to control asbestos.
Family
Educational
Rights and
Privacy Act
FERPA is a federal privacy law that gives parents certain
rights and protections with regard to their child’s
education records such as report cards, transcripts,
disciplinary records, contact and family information
and class schedules. Parents have the right to inspect
and review their child’s education records and to
request changes under certain circumstances. The law
also gives these rights to students who have reached 18
years of age. If you have questions, or to request more
information, please contact Dr. Brandan Keaveny, Chief
Accountability Officer, at 435-4281.
NEW
APP!
syracusecityschools.com
Notification for
Pesticide Application
Dear Parents, Guardians, and School Staff:
New York State Education Law Section 409-H requires all
public and nonpublic elementary and secondary schools to
provide written notification to all persons in parental and
guardian relationships with students as well as faculty and
staff regarding the potential use of pesticides periodically
throughout the school year. The Syracuse City School
District is required to maintain a list of persons who wish
to receive 48-hour prior written notification of certain
pesticide applications. The following pesticide applications
are not subject to prior notification requirements:
• a school remains unoccupied for a continuous 72-hours
following an application;
• anti-microbial products;
• nonvolatile rodenticides and insecticide baits in tamper
resistant bait stations in areas inaccessible to children;
• the use of aerosol products with a directed spray in
containers of 18 fluid ounces or less when used to protect
individuals from an imminent threat from stinging and
biting insects including venomous spiders, bees, wasps,
and hornets.
In the event of an emergency application, a good faith
effort will be made to supply written notification to those
on the notification list. If you would like to receive prior
notification of pesticide applications at your school, please
complete the form below and mail to:
Syracuse City School District
School Service Center
214 Park Avenue
Syracuse, NY 13204
You may also fax to (315) 435-4936 or return the
completed form to your child’s school.
• silica gel and other nonvolatile ready-to-use pastes, foams,
or gels in areas inaccessible to children;
Please contact the School Service Center for further
information on these requirements at the above mentioned
mailing address/fax.
• boric acid and disodium octaborate tetrahydrate;
Sincerely,
• the application of EPA designated biopesticides;
• the application of EPA designated exempt materials under
40CFR152.25;
Thomas C. Ferrara, P.E.
Director of Facilities III
TCF/clr
SYRACUSE CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
REQUEST FOR PESTICIDE APPLICATION NOTIFICATION
If you wish to be notified, please complete the form below and print clearly so we can notify you.
August & September 2015
Asbestos
Annual
Notification
Stay Connected
Stay Involved
(Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)
News from the Schools
Develops Student
Leadership Skills
FERPA
4
Bank of Central New York. “This is a
Program Director
great opportunity to learn about the
Josh Turnquest
community—what is wrong and what we
explained that
can do about it,” she explained. “We’re
through the
kids, so we have the power to grow up
internships,
and change what’s wrong.”
coupled with
class discussions
Fowler student Issa Layli, who interned
requiring students
at the Rescue Mission Warehouse, said
to think critically,
the experience was beneficial in many
a wide variety of
ways. “We’ve learned about the history
viewpoints and
Terra Summer Internship Program
of the people in the Syracuse area,” he
breakthroughs
said. “So it’s been fun to do community
presented
service. And it will be good to put on my
themselves. “We
resume!”
are challenging
the stereotypes
ITC student Josolyn Malone served
and negative
her internship at the Terra office, where
The Terra Science and Education
viewpoints that are often created,” he
she worked in outreach. She said the
Program offered 18 SCSD high school
explained. “We want to instill in them
program has improved her confidence.
students from all five district high
a sense of service and we
“My communication skills are getting
schools the opportunity to participate
ultimately want these
way better,” she said. “I used to be
in a summer internship and leadership
kids to develop skills
“This
is
a
great
so shy and I would get nervous
program, all rolled into one!
opportunity to
that will bring them
talking. I was afraid of saying
learn about the
further than just
Each weekday morning, students
something wrong. But here, they
community—
participated in an internship with a local this program. We
what is wrong
have taught me that I just need
and what we
want to build the
organization, funded through CNY
to ask—even if I am wrong, I will
can do about it”
next generation of
Works. They returned to the Syracuse
learn the right information. That’s
city leaders.”
Academy of Science, where Terra is
helped me a lot.”
based, for lunch, and then they spent the
That mission hit home
Congratulations to these students
afternoon hours in a discussion-based
for Corcoran student Zacqueline
for their interest in becoming strong
class.
Baldwin, who interned with the Food
leaders!
Current School/ Building Name
Name
Day Phone
Address
Evening Phone
City
State
Zip Code
5
Students in the SCSD are offered a wide variety of
nutritious foods for breakfast, lunch and snack each day. As
the new school year gets underway, please be advised that
students are able to select meal items of their choosing, as
long as each meal includes a serving of fruit or vegetable
and is considered a complete meal. Please review the menu
with your children and encourage them to try new items.
Healthy eating habits start at home, so whenever possible,
parents are advised to provide healthy items to supplement
school meals. Together, we can ensure that our children
enjoying the most nutritious meals to help fuel their bodies
and minds!
Mr. Horan said the ultimate goal
is simple, “I hope they develop a
sense of belonging and hope,” he
explained.
For H.W Smith eighth grader
Matthew Schley, a second year
participant, the program taught him
life skills. “I learned it’s important
to have good relationships, because
when you’re older you can use those
relationships to seize opportunities,”
he explained.
News from the Schools
Teaches Emotional
and Academic Skills
Thanks to the Building Men program,
middle school-aged boys in the SCSD
get to experience a unique program,
helping them build academic, athletic
and emotional skills! Started by Hughes
Physical Education teacher Joe Horan,
the program is now in its 9th year.
During the school year, Danforth and
Grant have the traditional program
during the school day, while Clary,
ELMS, Ed Smith and Roberts have
an after school program. A new 4/5
model is taking places in the morning at
McKinley and after school at Hughes in
an effort to draw in younger boys.
In 2013, the program was expanded
to include a Building Men Summer
Institute, hosting 25 boys. In 2014, the
Summer Institute doubled, and this year,
Summer camp students experienced
field trips that taught team building,
such as a visit to Adams Eden
Camp and a high ropes course at
Orenda Springs. They participated
in a community service project at
Clarks Reservation, and they visited
Catholic Charities homeless shelter
and Cazenovia College.
Students from 11 SCSD elementary
schools became bookworms this summer
as they participated in Mayor Miner’s All
Stars Summer Reading Challenge.
Kindergarten through fifth graders
at Bellevue, Dr. King, Dr. Weeks,
Frazer, Hughes, Huntington, H.W.
Smith, LeMoyne, McKinley-Brighton,
Seymour and Van Duyn each logged
the number of minutes they read during
the month of July. The class with the
most minutes read at each school were
awarded with a drawstring backpack,
“Mayor Miner’s All Stars” sunglasses and
a cake to celebrate their efforts.
Roberts sixth grader Joseph Derby,
First Tee Program
Exposes Students to the
Basics of Golf
100 boys were enrolled!
The program uses
basketball and football
as a hook to engage boys.
Then, they participate
in character talks about
their purpose, passion,
relationships, what it
means to be a man and
more.
The summer camps
held at H.W. Smith and
Lincoln offered students
a workout, two classes
featuring academic
curriculum, lunch, field
trips and guest speakers
and basketball drills,
games and clinics.
who read chapter books for 380 minutes,
said it was nice to be recognized by the
Mayor’s office. “It feels good that Mayor
Miner thought of us because it means we
achieved something.”
The program is now in its fifth year and
was created to incentivize young students
to continue reading over the summer
and work together with their fellow
classmates to read their way to success.
Roberts fifth grader Mekhya Bullock
said reading helps her do better in her
ELA class and provides a fun hobby at
the same time. “I like to read because it’s
a nice adventure. You can go into your
own imagination and do whatever you
spark their interest in the sport,” said
Thomas Felton, one of the Graduate
Assistant Supervisors for the program.
“We also aim to get them out to
experience the beautiful green space
at Butternut Creek [Golf Course, in
Jamesville] and teach them about the
social aspects of golf and how it can
translate into their personal lives.”
While students varied in skill level, all
expressed enjoyment with the program.
Seymour fifth grader Gerardo Becerra
“I like it because I get to hit a ball super
far!”
SCSD students are learning the basics
of golf—putting, driving, chipping
and more—thanks to the First Tee of
Syracuse program, which also aims to
teach life skills and core values.
Bellevue sixth grader Terri Kerce has
picked up many of the technical terms
of the sport. “The hardest parts are
chipping and full swings because you
have to hit the ball so far,” she explained.
“Putting is my favorite because you get
to put the ball in the hole!”
“The goal of the camp is to introduce
golf to inner-city children and possibly
The camp allows students to rotate
through four to five stations, each
want!”
Meachem first grader Chelsea Murray
likes reading for the same reason. “I read
The Cat in the Hat!” she explained. “It
was cool and I liked it a lot.”
Chol Majok, a staff member in the
Mayor’s office, spoke with several classes
about the importance of continuing to
read, even once the challenge was over.
“The Mayor is very happy with what
you did, because she loves to see kids
reading!” he told them.
Congratulations to all of the students
who took part for keeping their minds
active over summer vacation!
teaching a specific skill: putting,
chipping, driving, core values and more.
While learning about good judgment,
how to make good decisions and be
persistent, Seymour fourth grader
Jeidian Pizarro said the core values
station is her favorite. “We get to play
fun games here, and I like that they teach
us how to do things,” she said. “I want to
keep playing!”
Seymour fifth grader Naimah Ruffin
“Golf is really fun. I get really confident
when they help me. I’ll say I can’t do it,
and then I learn that I can do anything
I put my mind to,” she said, noting that
her goal is to hit a ball 200 yards and she
has already made it to 150.
Felton said First Tee has grown
significantly over the past three years,
now reaching about 250 SCSD students
from Bellevue, Frazer, Huntington, H.W.
Smith, Hughes, Dr. King, LeMoyne,
Seymour and Van Duyn.
August & September 2015
Building Men
Summer Camp
6
Elementary Students Read to Win
Mayor’s Summer Reading Challenge
News from the Schools
August & September 2015
Meal Selections at School
This year, the SCSD Food Service Department is continuing
in the Community Eligibility Option, which allows all
students, regardless of income, to receive free breakfast and
lunch. This program will still require those families who do
not directly qualify through the state to submit an Eligibility
Application. Families that need to complete an application
will receive one in the mail at the start of the school year.
Please complete and return immediately to the Food Service
Department or to your child’s cafeteria.
All Stars SUmmer
Reading Challenge
Reminder: Encourage Healthy
Important Note About Community
Eligibility Option for School Meals
Food for Thought!
7
August & September 2015
Summer Vex
News from the Schools
8
Nottingham technology teacher Bryan
English said the SCSD started a Vex
summer camp four years ago due to a
high demand for the program. This year,
the two-week camp saw the highest
number of participants yet—with close
to 40 students from eight SCSD middle
and high schools taking part!
From students who have participated
in Vex robotics before to first timers,
all were eager to expand their skills
and build a winning robot. For first
time participant Abisage Nahumure,
a seventh grader from H.W. Smith,
the camp was an opportunity to try
something new and fun. “When I
started, I didn’t know what any of these
parts were called and I just learned so
much!” she explained, while she showed
off the robot she built with the help
of two friends. “I definitely want to
continue next year. I’d want to see if I
can make something bigger and better!”
Frazer eighth grader Juriasi Fundi,
on the other hand, participated in
Vex robotics last year and was able to
build his robot on his own. “I’m into
technology, engineering and building,”
he said. “But I still learned new stuff at
camp—different ways to program the
robot, new ways to use less supplies. It’s
teaching me problem solving through
working through my mistakes.”
Students from Huntington, Lincoln,
H.W. Smith, Grant, Frazer,
Henninger, Nottingham and Corcoran
took part in this year’s summer camp.
These are the ultimate goals of the camp,
Mr. English explained: to encourage
teamwork and problem solving skills.
“We really stress teamwork, hands on
skills and learning to adapt,” he said.
“The students are learning to do the best
they can through problem solving.”
Students themselves even recognized
the value of the lessons they learned.
Want more photos?
Corcoran sophomore Jayzon Crump
Check out SCSD’s Flickr page
said he joined his first Vex program
Access by visiting www.syracusecityschools.com
because of an interest in robotics but has
Among the enrichment activities the
students experienced were visits from
guest speakers, including the business
leaders who will act as mentors to them
throughout the school year.
Company representatives from
several local businesses visited ITC
Incoming P-TECH tenth graders also
participated in a similar two-week bridge
program, allowing them to tour a local
manufacturing facility and analyze a
real-life business dilemma facing it.
At Midstate Spring in Syracuse,
Operations Manager Josh Kristoff
gave students a tour of the facility that
produces custom springs and wire
forms. Then, he presented them with the
Industry Challenge, a dilemma presented
Teachers Dedicate
Summer to Participating in
Professional Development
The dedicated teachers and support staff
of the Syracuse City School District took
part in some unique summer activities
this year: professional development
trainings!
Offered to provide a supportive,
coherent professional learning
experience for educators to allow
them to “make great happen,” these
After reviewing students’ ideas, Mr.
Kristoff was impressed. “Some of the
teams put together very impressive
presentations,” he said. “This was likely
the first time any of these students did
a group business presentation. They
arrived ready to meet the challenge
head-on and I think they got a real
charge out of the experience.”
“I didn’t think it was
possible to get college
credits in high school,
but this gives me that
opportunity.”
Student Quintin Shanes said he
appreciates the program for the head
start it provides. “This program is a great
chance to get where my dad and brothers
are—they are all going into electrical
engineering,” he explained. “I didn’t
think it was possible to get college credits
in high school, but this gives me that
opportunity.”
development opportunities focused on
numerous grades and subject matter.
From physical education and health to
ELA, Social Studies, Math and science,
and even bilingual education, special
education and Fine Arts, staff was able
to receive additional instruction in how
to build a vibrant classroom and school
culture.
Thank you to all of our teachers for
their active participation in summer
professional development!
August & September 2015
Robotics
Competition Expands
gained so much more. “I learned how to
program and stuff,” he explained. “It’s all
about trial and error. I’ve always wanted
to be an engineer, and this is helping me
learn to plan, time myself and stick to a
deadline.”
Incoming ninth graders in the ITC
Pathways in Technology Early College
High School (P-TECH) program
participated in a two-week summer
bridge program, exposing them to
enrichment activities and support classes
to help them adjust to the rigors of high
school.
For student George Doebler
the head start that the summer
bridge program provided was
invaluable. “We have a feel
for the school already,” he
explained. “In elementary and
middle school, we didn’t have
that so we were scared starting
school. But now, we know most of our
teachers already, and we know each
other!”
to students encouraging them to think of
practical solutions to challenges facing
area businesses. In this case, students
designed a new floor plan for the work
area at Midstate Spring.
News from the Schools
to work with the students
on manufacturing-related
projects and activities. Greg
Miller, Account Manager at
Liftech Equipment, said it
felt good to get involved in
helping the next generation of
workers, noting that he was
impressed with students’ group
interaction skills and stage
presence.
ITC Summer Bridge Programs
Connect P-TECH Students with Business Partners
9
Henninger Vice Principal Ed Blasland
helped bring the credit union branches
to Fowler and Henninger high schools.
As a former business teacher, he knew
the need to expose students to the
branches was critical.
“Often, our students—and many of us—
get to college and haven’t been taught
how to save, how to have a checking and
savings account and what are the good
and bad of credit cards,” he explained.
“We wanted to give our students that.
Students said ‘wow, I never thought of
putting my money into the bank.’ The
benefit is that learning piece; they learn
that saving is a good thing.”
Blasland said students help staff the
credit unions and spread the word to
other students through advertising and
marketing campaigns to encourage them
to sign up.
She said a student’s experience
with the school credit union can be
invaluable. “The branches offer them
a chance to learn at a young age about
how to maintain an account,” she
said. “They can also help with loan
education, student loans for college, and
encouraging students to start saving for
their future.”
As the school credit unions continue
to expand, organizers hope to add even
more hands-on experiences for students,
as well as ways to integrate financial
literacy into mainstream curriculum to
reach even more students.
If you are a student who would like to
enroll in the credit union at your school,
please visit your school branch. To open
an account, students will be asked to
provide their student ID, be aware of
their social security number and pay a
$7 fee.
Building Financial Awareness
Maintain
a Bank
Account
Loan
Education
College
Loans
Saving for Credit Card
the Future Education
Forty incoming freshman took
part in a Summer Writing
Institute at Nottingham, where
they learned about the benefits
of writing and learned how
to develop the quality of their
writing.
Over the course of the threeweek transition program,
students kept a writer’s
notebook, wrote a polished
personal narrative, worked
in groups to develop a digital
story and read at least 15
minutes a day with a book of
their choice.
Special Education and English
teacher Jodi Burnash said
the program is an important
step in transitioning students
from middle to high school.
“It gives them a chance to
get to know the building, the
teachers, and some of the
expectations for success with
regard to high school level
writing,” she explained. “It also
helps them think critically,
work collaboratively, and build
stamina with regard to written
tasks; and therefore gives
them some building blocks for
success as they move into the
their ninth grade year."
Great job to all students who
took part!
Stay Connected
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T ra n siti o n P r o grams
H elp R isi n g S t u de n ts
Eas e i n t o N e w S c h o o l
W
ith new teachers, new friends and a
new building to get acclimated to, the
transition from elementary to middle
school—and middle to high school—can be
overwhelming.
To help students ease into the change, several
SCSD schools have created transition programs.
At the high school level, new 9th graders at
the Public Service Leadership Academy
(PSLA) and the Institute of Technology at
Syracuse Central (ITC) have the opportunity to
participate in transition or bridge programs over
the summer. Incoming middle school students
at Clary, Danforth, Ed Smith, Frazer, Grant,
Huntington, H.W. Smith, Lincoln, Roberts
and Westside Academy at Blodgett are able to
participate in the Where Everybody Belongs
(WEB) program.
influence on student success,” he explained. “So
why not utilize this untapped resource and give
our educators and our students some help at key
times in their educational career to minimize
the number of students that do slip through the
cracks. It is very exciting!”
Jose Toro was a WEB leader at Grant in the
program’s inaugural year and is now a freshman
at Henninger High School. He said the
experience guided him to include his peers when
they seemed to be left out, and instilled in him
a sense of leadership. “I had a hard time in sixth
grade,” he said. “I didn’t want anyone else to go
through that. With WEB, I learned that it doesn’t
matter what grade you’re in, we should all learn
to help each other.”
Classmate Sarah Wilson is also a former
WEB leader. She said the
Initially offered last
program makes her feel
“With WEB I learned that it doesn’t
year to students
like she made a positive
matter what grade you’re in, we
at Grant Middle
difference. “It feels good
School, the program should all learn to help each other”
to know that I helped
was so successful
someone get along better,”
that this school year, it has expanded to all
she said. “It’s great to make the new students
SCSD middle schools. For 6th graders entering
to feel comfortable and help them to not be
middle school, the WEB program allows them
insecure about coming to middle school, like we
to take part in small group activities led by 8th
were.”
graders. Leading up to the start of the school
Faculty coordinators say that while the WEB
year, the older students host an orientation,
program is intended to help incoming sixth
guiding the new students through the changes
graders, its influence expands to the eighth grade
and challenges they will face as they make the
leaders as well.
transition to middle school.
“The eighth graders always exceed our
H.W. Smith Guidance Counselor Todd Bradbury
expectations,” Grant Library Media Specialist
said the mentoring program is intended to help
Jean Van Doren stated proudly.
set students up for success by creating social
August & September 2015
News from the Schools
Today, the three branches serve about
100 students—and staff—in the Syracuse
City School District, offering easy
access to a financial institution, and the
financial awareness that can form as a
result.
Jessica Graves was one of these student
volunteers before her graduation from
Fowler in 2010. For her, the school credit
union sparked a career. In her senior
year of high school, she served as a teller
in the Cooperative Federal branch at her
school. After graduation, she was hired
by Cooperative Federal to work there
for the summer; and now, she is a Loan
Clerk at ACMG Federal Credit Union.
News from the Schools
August & September 2015
In 2009, Cooperative Federal opened
a branch in Fowler High School.
In 2013 and 2014, branches opened
in Henninger and Nottingham,
respectively.
Nottingham Summer
Writing Institute
Prepares Freshmen
for High School
Credit Unions
Expose Students to
School-Based Savings
bonds among them. “Peers can have an amazing
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10
syracusecityschools.com
Where everybody belongs
11
August & September 2015
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Hometown: Chittenango, NY
Hometown: Florence, SC
Prior to coming to the
SCSD, I: Served as Teacher, Coach
and Administrator for the Baldwinsville
Central School District. Previously, I
also worked as an Administrator for
Cayuga Community College in Auburn
NY. I began my career in education as
an elementary school teacher in Auburn
Enlarged City School District.
Prior to coming to the
SCSD, I: Served as the Assistant
Prior to coming to the
SCSD, I: Was the Founding Principal
Delvin Vick
Clary Middle School
Mary Lowe
Delaware Academy
Hometown: Geneva, NY
Hometown: Zebulon, NC
Prior to coming to the
SCSD, I: Worked for the Geneva
Prior to coming to the
SCSD, I: Was fortunate to serve
Hometown: Chittenango, NY, the
birthplace of L. Frank Baum, author
of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz!
Favorite thing about
Syracuse: My favorite thing in
Prior to Becoming
Principal, I: Served as a lower
Fun fact: I am a licensed Funeral
City School District for 12+ years as a
teacher, Assistant Principal, Director
of After School Programing and
Principal.
as principal of Southside Academy
Carter School from 2012 to 2015.
Southside is located right around the
corner from Clary Middle.
Favorite thing about
Syracuse: Destiny USA and all of
Favorite thing about
Syracuse: I really like the late
the welcoming SCSD staff members
who have been extremely helpful
during my transition.
spring to fall months for outdoor
activity. Beyond that, Syracuse is
located a few hours drive from some
prominent cities – NYC, Boston,
Philadelphia, Toronto, and Montreal.
Access to travel is extremely
important to my family and me.
Fun fact: I am a huge Carolina
Panthers fan. Win or lose, I support
that organization. Whenever the
Panthers are in NY or Philadelphia, I
do my best to make the trip.
elementary teacher and then ESL
teacher in the District of Columbia
Public Schools.
Favorite thing about
Syracuse: Continuing my family
tradition of making Syracuse a great
city to live and learn… I follow in
the footsteps of four generations
of educators who have served the
families of the Syracuse City Schools
District.
Fun fact: I love swimming. I
was a member of the swim team in
high school and a lifeguard for the
summer months during college. I
enjoy visiting all the fabulous State
and local parks in Upstate New York
and swimming in our lakes and
rivers.
of a middle school in Queens, New
York.
Syracuse is the Creekwalk.
Director!
CREEK
WALK
Favorite thing about
Syracuse: My favorite thing about
Syracuse and CNY is its geographic and
seasonal diversity. We have beautiful
lakes and waterways, miles and miles
of country, rolling hills, and most
importantly, four very distinct and
different seasons that provide every
possible activity anyone would like to
participate in!
Paula Digirolamo
Hughes Elementary School
John Rivers
Dr. King Elementary School
Hometown: Durham, NC
Hometown: Marcellus, NY
Hometown: Rochester, NY
Prior to becoming
Principal, I: worked for many
Prior to coming to the
SCSD, I: Served as an Academy
Prior to coming to the
SCSD, I: Worked in Durham Public
Schools at WG Pearson S.T.E.A.M.
Magnet Elementary School as Principal.
Favorite thing about
Syracuse: My favorite thing is
the people. The people have been
very welcoming and accommodating,
similar to what I am used to being a
‘southern girl!’
Fun fact: I love to eat peanut butter
on everything: toast, cakes, cookies, in
pies, etc.
years with the SCSD as an elementary
Special Ed teacher and served as a
Vice Principal at elementary and
middle school levels.
Favorite thing about
Syracuse: The change of seasons.
Fun fact: I enjoy cooking (I’ve
been told I’m a good cook) and
kayaking!
Favorite thing about
Syracuse: The opportunity, due to
location, to expose my family to new
experiences. We have traveled out
of the country to Toronto, Canada;
and my kids are now lacrosse players.
They love it!
Fun fact: “How ‘bout dem
Cowboys!” America’s Team… love us
or leave us alone!
Fun fact: It is on my bucket list to
go on a Safari in Africa.
SCSD Students Take Part in Summer
Graduation Ceremony
Approximately 150 students from Corcoran, Fowler,
Henninger, ITC and Nottingham took part in the summer
graduation ceremony at the Onondaga Community College
SRC Arena.
Corcoran’s Mariah Rivers led the students in the Pledge
of Allegiance and 2015 Henninger Graduate Jim Truong
Lamanda Pryor
Frazer K-8 School
Principal at Southside Academy
Charter, Southside of Syracuse.
sang the National Anthem. Brian Nolan, the Executive
Director of High Schools & Technical Education, offered
Congratulatory Remarks to the most recent group of
graduates. Congratulations to all, and best of luck to the
entire Class of 2015!
August & September 2015
News from the Schools
Alonzo Graham
WSA at Blodgett
News from the Schools
John Devendorf
McKinley-Brighton Elem.
Sarah Cupelli
Bellevue Elementary School
Fun fact: I love spending time
with my two boys, husband and
English Bulldog, Buster. We love to
travel and visit exciting places in the
U.S.
12
LaJuan White
Lincoln Middle School
New Faces:
Principal for the Albany City School
District.
Favorite thing about
Syracuse: Syracuse Football
Fun fact: I compete in Powerlifting
and enjoy playing chess.
13
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Bellevue Elementary School
Pre-K – Grade 5
Address: 530 Stolp Ave.
Phone: 435-4520
Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Principal: Sarah Cupelli
Delaware Primary Elementary
School
Address: 900 S. Geddes St.
Phone:435-4540
Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Principal: Eliezer Hernandez
Delaware Academy
Grades 2-5
SCSD Performers Present Annual All-City Musical
Bring It On: The Musical
Students from Corcoran, Henninger, Nottingham, Ed
Smith and Roberts performed in this year’s All-City
Musical, Bring It On: The Musical.
News from the Schools
Director Bill
Ralbovsky,
a Nottingham English teacher, praised the students’
dedication. “We typically get the bravest students in the
summer, because they’re working with new cast mates and
often, unfamiliar staff,” he said. “The students we had this
year were phenomenal. Summer is unpredictable-- they
have so many other choices. But attendance was terrifically
consistent, especially during the last weeks, when some of
the hardest work got done. The students, from 7th graders
to recent grads, were very professional.”
For Corcoran senior Shareke Eadie-Schaub, the experience
of life as a performer was well worth it. “I’ve never been in
theater before,” he explained. “I want to get into acting and
work in the arts, so I thought I’d try out. So far, I like it!”
Mr. Ralbovsky said students benefit in countless ways
from participating in the All-City Musical. They learn to
understand someone else’s point of view, build confidence,
learn to trust each other, build relationships, take ownership
and criticism and more.
14
Henninger senior Curbbie Beauge agreed, noting how
the experience helped her personal growth. “I joined for
Shareke added,
“Rehearsals and
stunts were the best
because we all got to
work together and
have fun. We’re a
community—we all
lift each other up.
No one puts anyone
down.”
Congratulations to all who participated for putting on such
a great show!
Bring it On!
Address: 171 Spaulding Ave.
Phone:435-4610
Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Principal: Melissa Evans
Address: 1106 Lancaster Ave.
Phone:435-4650
Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Elem
8:00 a.m. – 2:50 p.m.
Middle
Principal: Samuel Barber
Porter Elementary School
Pre-K – Grade 6
Address: 512 Emerson Ave.
Phone:435-4625
Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Principal: William Mecum
Seymour Dual Language
Academy
Pre-K – Grade 5
Address: 108 Shonnard St.
Phone:435-4645
Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Principal: Rria Castillo Cruz-Soto
Syracuse Latin Elementary
School
Grades K-2
Pre-K – Grade 8
H.W. Smith Pre-K – 8 School
Pre-K – Grade 8
Address: 1130 Salt Springs Rd.
Phone:435-4490
Hours: 7:45 a.m. – 3:25 p.m.
Principal: Theresa Haley
MIDDLE SCHOOLS
Clary Middle School
Grades 6-8
Address: 100 Amidon Dr.
Phone:435-4411
Hours: 7:50 a.m. – 2:26 p.m.
Principal: Delvin Vick
Franklin Elementary School
Van Duyn Elementary School
Address: 428 S. Alvord St.
Phone:435-4550
Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:10 p.m.
Principal: Katrina Allen
Address: 401 Loomis Ave.
Phone:435-4660
Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Principal: Eva Williams
Hughes Elementary School
Webster Elementary School
Grades 6-8
Address: 345 Jamesville Ave.
Phone:435-4404
Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Principal: Paula DiGirolamo
Address: 500 Wadsworth St.
Phone:435-4670
Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Principal: Iverna Minor
Grant Middle School
Salem Hyde Elementary
School
Dr. Weeks Elementary School
Grades 3-5
Pre-K – Grade 6
Address: 450 Durston Ave.
Phone:435-4570
Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Principal: Patricia Floyd-Echols
Dr. King Elementary School
Pre-K – Grade 5
Address: 416 E. Raynor Ave.
Phone:435-4580
Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:10 p.m.
Principal:Dr. John Rivers
LeMoyne Elementary School
Pre-K – Grade 5
Address: 1528 LeMoyne Ave.
Phone:435-4590
Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Principal: Jason Armstrong
McCarthy @ Beard
Special Education
Address: 220 W. Kennedy St.
Phone:435-5855
Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Principal: Maria Ann Cimino
McKinley-Brighton
Elementary School
Pre-K – Grade 5
Address: 141 W. Newell St.
Phone:435-4605
Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Principal: John Devendorf
Pre-K – Grade 5
Pre-K – Grade 5
Address: 710 Hawley Ave.
Phone:435-4097
Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:10 p.m.
Principal: Carin Reeve-Larham
Pre-K – 8 SCHOOLS
Frazer Pre-K – 8 School
Pre-K – Grade 8
Address: 741 Park Ave.
Phone:435-4555
Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Principal: LaManda Pryor
Huntington Pre-K – 8 School
Pre-K – Grade 8
Address: 400 Sunnycrest Rd.
Phone:435-4565
Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Elem
8:00 a.m. – 2:50 p.m.
Middle
Principal: Joanne Harlow
Roberts Pre-K – 8 School
Grades 9-12
Address: 919 Glenwood Ave.
Phone:435-4321
Hours: 7:50 a.m. – 2:26 p.m.
Principal: Jennifer King-Reese
Fowler High School
Grades 11-12
Address: 227 Magnolia St.
Phone:435-4376
Hours: 7:50 a.m. – 2:26 p.m.
Principal: Brian Nolan (acting)
Henninger High School
Grades 9-12
Address: 600 Robinson St.
Phone:435-4343
Hours: 7:50 a.m. – 2:26 p.m.
Principal: Robert DiFlorio
Danforth Middle School
Address: 345 Jamesville Ave.
Phone:435-4606
Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Principal: Kelly Manard
Pre-K – Grade 5
Corcoran High School
Institute of Technology @
Syracuse Central
• Syracuse Pathways to
Technology (P-Tech)
Elmcrest Children’s Center
Address: 960 Salt Springs Rd.
Phone:435-6244
Principal: Debra Mastropaolo
Pre-K – Grade 5
HIGH SCHOOLS
Grades 6-8
Grades 9-12
Address: 309 W. Brighton Ave.
Phone:435-4535
Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 3:36 p.m.
Principal: Dr. Ronardo Reeves
Address: 258 E. Adams St.
Phone: 435-4300
Hours: 7:50 a.m. – 2:26 p.m.
Principal: Donna Formica
Expeditionary Learning Middle
School
Johnson Vocational Center
Address: 4942 S. Salina St.
Phone:435-6416
Hours: 7:50 a.m. – 2:26 p.m.
Principal: Kevin Burns
Grades 6-8
Address: 2400 Grant Blvd.
Phone:435-4433
Hours: 7:50 a.m. – 2:26 p.m.
Principal: Pamela Odom
Middle School Alternative
Program
Grades 6-8
Address: 1607 S. Geddes St.
Phone:435-6226
Hours: 7:40 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Principal: James Palumbo
Grades 9-12
Address: 573 E. Genesee St.
Phone:435-4135
Hours: 7:50 a.m. – 2:26 p.m.
Principal: John Dittmann, Jr.
Nottingham High School
Grades 9-12
Address: 3100 E. Genesee St.
Phone:435-4380
Hours: 7:50 a.m. – 2:26 p.m.
Principal: David Maynard
Public Service Leadership
Academy @ Fowler
Grade 9-10
Address: 227 Magnolia St.
Phone:435-4408
Hours: 7:50 a.m. – 2:26 p.m.
Principal: Dr. Matthew Williams
Lincoln Middle School
Grades 6-8
Address: 1613 James St.
Phone:435-4450
Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Principal: LaJuan White
Westside Academy @
Blodgett Middle School
Stay Connected
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NEW
APP!
August & September 2015
More than two
dozen students,
including incoming
freshmen and Class
of 2015 graduates,
rehearsed for more
than a month to
prepare for the
show.
the experience and the confidence. I’m really shy,” she
explained. “But I learned that even if you mess up, you have
to keep going. This musical turned out to be exciting and
incredible!”
Address: 900 S. Geddes St.
Phone:435-4540
Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Principal: Mary Lowe
Edward Smith Pre-K – 8 School
Pre-K – Grade 5
News from the Schools
August & September 2015
K – Grade 1
Meachem Elementary School
2015-16 Start and Dismissal Times
Grades 6-8
Address: 312 Oswego St.
Phone:435-4386
Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 3:36 p.m.
Principal: Alonzo Graham
Pre-K – Grade 8
Address: 715 Glenwood Ave.
Phone:435-4635
Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Elem
8:00 a.m. – 2:50 p.m.
Middle
Principal: Ann Sherwood
syracusecityschools.com
15
syracuse city school district
1025 Erie Boulevard West | Syracuse, NY 13204
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August & September 2015
News from the Staff
Michael Henesey
Coordinator of Communications
Karin Davenport
Communications Specialist
Christine Carnegie
Graphics Technician
The Syracuse City School District hereby advises students, parents,
employees and the general public that it is committed to providing equal access to all categories of employment, programs and
educational opportunities, including career and technical education
opportunities, regardless of actual or perceived race, color, national
origin, Native American ancestry/ethnicity, creed or religion, marital
status, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or expression,
disability or any other legally protected category under federal, state
or local law.
Inquiries regarding the District’s non-discrimination policies should
be directed to: Executive Director of Student Support Services,
Civil Rights Compliance Officer/ Syracuse City School District/
725 Harrison Street • Syracuse, NY 13210/ (315) 435-4131/ Email: [email protected]
HALF DAYS
Student Dismissal Times
Elementary
Bellevue
12:00 PM
Delaware Academy
11:00 AM
Delaware Primary
11:00 AM
Dr. King
11:00 AM
Dr. Weeks
11:00 AM
Franklin
11:00 AM
Hughes 11:30 AM
LeMoyne
11:00 AM
McCarthy@Beard
11:00 AM
McKinley-Brighton
11:00 AM
Meachem
11:30 AM
Porter
11:30 AM
Salem Hyde
10:30 AM
Seymour
11:00 AM
Syracuse Latin
11:00 AM
Van Duyn
11:00 AM
11:00 AM
News from the Schools
11:00 AM
12:00 PM
12:00 PM
12:00 PM
11:30 AM
11:30 AM
10:30 AM
10:30 AM
11:30 AM
12:00 PM
11:30 AM
12:00 PM
11:30 AM
12:00 PM
Webster
16
Pre-K—8 &
Middle Schools
Clary
11:30 AM
Danforth
ELMS
Ed Smith ES
Ed Smith MS
Frazer
Grant
Huntington ES
Huntington MS
HW Smith
High Schools
Corcoran
11:14 AM
Fowler
11:14 AM
Henninger
11:14 AM
ITC & P-Tech
11:14 AM
Johnson Center
11:14 AM
Nottingham
11:14 AM
PSLA @ Fowler
11:14 AM
SCSD
AwPLP
ive!
No
Lincoln
MSAP
Roberts ES
Roberts MS
Westside Academy
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