SyracuSe city School DiStrict elementary Schools welcome bicyclists

Syracuse City
School District
News from the schools
October & November 2015
Elementary Schools
Welcome Bicyclists
During Ride for Missing &
Exploited Children
P.10
PAX Program
Encourages
Good Behavior
at SCSD
Elementary
Schools p. 4
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.
McKinleyBrighton
Students
Celebrate 5th
Annual Walk to
School Day p. 7
VISION
To become the most improved
urban school district in America.
Say Yes Gala
Raises Funds for
Additional SCSD
Scholarships p.13
ULTIMATE GOAL
An educational community that
graduates every student as a
responsible, active citizen prepared
for success in college, careers and
the global economy.
SCSD Graduates
Pursue Medical
Careers at
Upstate College
of Medicine p.14
AND
MORE!
NE
APPW!
syracusecityschools.com
Stay Connected
Stay Involved
Network. TI is dedicated to providing
teens with leadership skills to promote
healthy living and substance use
prevention among their peers.
October & November 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
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
2
The first several months of school have
brought about an abundance of good
news from the Syracuse City School
District. Students, teachers, staff and
administration have all been performing
at their best, and it shows!
Two of our elementary schools are
finding success in implementing PAX,
a new, school wide program that
promotes good behavior. Students
at all levels are learning about the
benefits of giving back as they raise
money for charity, plant trees in their
neighborhood parks and host peace
rallies.
Our community partners have showed
a renewed vigor this fall as well. The
recent Say Yes to Education Gala at the
Landmark Theater raised more than
$261,000, which will be used to support
the Say Yes Syracuse Endowment,
which supports our students as they
go on to continuing education. I am
also pleased to share that we had an
impressive turnout at our Education
Breakfast for Inter-Faith Leaders, at
Congratulations SCSD Students!
Nottingham Students Commended
in National Merit Scholarship
Competition
Nottingham students Sierra DeAngelo
and Lucy Purnine have both been
named
Commended
Students
in the 2016
National Merit
Scholarship
Program. These
bright students
have placed
among the top
five percent of
the more than
1.5 million
students who
entered the
competition by taking the 2014 PSAT.
Congratulations to Sierra and Lucy on
this impressive accomplishment!
ITC Students Named CNY Teen
Institute Youth Leaders
Congratulations to Mikem Simpson
and Zau Jat N-Hkum, ITC Juniors, for
being inducted into the 2015-16 Heart
of CNY Teen Institute (TI) as Youth
which community leaders pledged to
rally around our students to help them
achieve their best.
Several SCSD alumni have also
made the news lately for impressive
achievements in the fields of medicine,
the arts and more. A Fowler graduate
received the Upstate Medical University
‘Outstanding Young Alumnus
Award,” while a Corcoran graduate
was recognized as an “Alumni Faces”
honoree at OCC. And current SCSD
students are already following in
these footsteps! Students in our high
schools have been recognized for their
leadership and academic achievement,
both locally and nationally.
Thank you for your ongoing interest in
and support of our students, staff and
schools. Together, we can ensure that
the positive momentum gained during
these first months of the 2015-2016
school year continues. Together, we will
continue making great happen!
Sincerely,
Fowler Student Among Top Performers
at Football Camp
Fowler junior Nyrel Reed was recognized
as a top performer this summer at the
C.J. Mosley and Marlon Brown Football
Camp, hosted by Sports International.
Held at Towson University, the camp
featured instruction, lectures and
demonstrations by professional football
players. Campers also learned from high
school and college coaches about basic
and advanced
football
techniques. At
the end of the
camp, coaches
selected
the top
performers to
be included
in the Sports
International
Gridiron
Elite. These
individuals, including Nyrel, will have
their information sent to more than 2,500
college coaches throughout the nation!
Congratulations, Nyrel— we know you
will continue accomplishing great things!
Nottingham Student’s Artwork to be
Displayed at Everson
Leaders.
Teens from all around CNY applied and
went through a week-long, rigorous
interview process to be Youth Leaders
with TI this year. Teens were chosen
based on their teamwork, commitment
and leadership abilities. Teen Institute
is a national youth leadership program
with a local branch through Prevention
St
ude
SPOTLIGHT
nt
Nottingham senior MeiLin Luzadis is
a finalist in the 7th annual Bousquet
Holstein PLLC Photography Contest for
Syracuse City and Onondaga County
high school students! Students were
asked to
photograph
examples of this
year’s contest
theme—Beauty,
Charm and
Joy—to align
with an Everson
Museum of
Art exhibition
“Three Graces:
Beauty,
Charm and
Joy.” As one of 22 finalists, MeiLin’s
artwork will be displayed at the Everson.
Congratulations, MeiLin, on this honor!
SPOTLIGHT
Fowler High School
graduate Daryll C.
Dykes, MD, JD, Ph.D., was recognized
with the Upstate Medical University
Outstanding Young Alumnus Award.
Dykes is an orthopedic spine surgeon,
health law scholar and
health policy consultant
who practices in
Minneapolis-St. Paul.
A former U.S. Marine,
Dykes was one of the
first students to complete
the Upstate MD/Ph.D.
Program, where he earned
several awards for his
cutting edge research. Congratulations,
Dr. Dykes— we know you will continue
making great happen!
Corcoran Graduate Named OCC
“Alumni Faces” Honoree
Corcoran alumnus London Ladd
has been recognized as one of four
“Alumni Faces” honorees at Onondaga
Community College.
Alumni Faces honorees
are selected for their
personal achievements
and contributions to
OCC, as well as the larger
community. As a former
Art major, Mr. Ladd
has become a nationally
renowned children’s book
illustrator and has also created visuals
to help tell the stories of historic figures
such as Martin Luther King, Jr. and
Frederick Douglas. Mr. Ladd is a member
of the Syracuse Public Arts Commission
and serves as a facilitator for the Say
Yes to Education after school program.
Congratulations, Mr. Ladd, and thank you
for your continued support of the Syracuse
community!
Corcoran Graduate Hired as Director of
Marketing at Destiny USA
Corcoran alumnus Aiden McGuire has
been hired as the Director of Marketing
at Destiny USA. Mr. McGuire will be
overseeing all of Destiny USA’s advertising,
PR, events, guest services, social media,
website and more. After graduating from
Corcoran, Mr. McGuire attended LeMoyne
College where he earned
a bachelor’s degree in
English. He worked with
PR firms in Syracuse
before moving to Green
Bay, Wisconsin, where he
was a Senior Marketing
Communications
Specialist. Congratulations
on your new position, Mr. McGuire— and
welcome home!
Important Dates
November 2015
1
Daylight Saving Time Ends
3
1/2 Day for All Schools (ParentTeacher Conferences)
4
No School (Superintendent’s Conference
Day)
4
Board of Education Meeting
7
SAT and Subject Tests
7
Parent University Fall Family
Conference
11
No School (Veteran’s Day)
14
CNY Bridge Build’Em and Bust’Em,
The MOST
17
Superintendent’s Parent Council
Meeting
18
High School Report Card Distribution
19
1/2 Day for All Schools (ParentTeacher Conferences)
19
Elementary & Middle School Report
Card Distribution
24
Go Home Early Emergency Drill
2527
No School (Thanksgiving Recess)
December 2015
5
SAT and Subject Tests
9
Board of Education Meeting
12
ACT Test
16
High School Interim Reports
23
1/2 Day for All Schools (Professional
Development)
24- No School (Holiday Recess)
Jan.
1
Stay Connected
Stay Involved
October & November 2015
News from the Schools
Physical Address:
725 Harrison Street
Syracuse, NY 13210
Dear Parents & Families,
A
Fowler Graduate
Honored with
Upstate’s
Outstanding
Young Alumnus
Award
News from the Schools
October & NOvember 2015
Michelle Mignano
President
Mikem, Zau, and other CNY Youth
Leaders will design and facilitate a 4 day
institute for 100 CNY teens including a
team of ITC and other SCSD high school
students this fall. Participants will learn
healthy lifestyle strategies, leadership
skills, and drug and alcohol prevention
activities and will develop an Action
Plan for the coming year for their home
schools.
lum
ni
News from the schools
NEW
APP!
syracusecityschools.com
3
Second graders at Meachem are well-versed in the rules of
the PAX Good Behavior Game. Intended to help them learn
to self-regulate, self-control and self-manage, the program
also aims to show students how to work together to create a
peaceful, productive, healthy and happy school environment.
Now in its second year of school wide implementation, select
classrooms in Meachem have been experimenting with the
program for a few years. Through PAX, students learn to
focus on good behaviors (PAX behaviors) and avoid negative
or disruptive behaviors (called ‘spleems’).
“If students are more engaged, they’re more likely to succeed
academically,” Meachem Principal Melissa Evans explained.
“It’s a more peaceful feeling. Everyone is on the same page,
using the same language, with the same expectations.”
To solidify desirable concepts and behaviors, teachers divide
students into groups and challenge them to play a timed
PAX Good Behavior Game while continuing to instruct with
normal curriculum. A classroom new to the game may begin
with playing for one minute at a time, with the teacher noting
Students Participate in
each time a group demonstrates a spleem behavior. As the
students catch on to the program, the length of the game
increases—some classrooms are currently playing for up to 60
minutes at a time!
Mrs. Evans noted that each year, Meachem measures the
student ‘spleem’ counts. In the last school year, there was a
70% reduction in the number of disengaged behaviors, she
explained, adding that one grade in particular saw a nearly
20% increase on local test scores as a result of the program.
At Porter, in its first year with the PAX program, Principal
Wil Mecum is taking note. “Mrs. Evans has been helping us
understand more of how we can make the program work,”
he said. “We have seen positive changes quickly. But we are
still learning, and we want to make sure this translates in
all aspects of our school—the hallways, the cafeteria and all
classrooms. PAX is one of the steps that is moving us in the
right direction.”
Thank you to Contact Community Services for their
assistance implementing the PAX Good Behavior Program in
our schools, and great work to the students and staff who are
bringing about the program’s success!
Fourth and fifth graders from McKinley-Brighton visited
McKinley Park to plant 14 trees as part of a partnership with
the Save the Rain program, Cornell Cooperative Extension
and Onondaga Earth Corps.
As staff explained the procedure for properly planting a
tree, students were animated
in rattling off facts they had
learned about trees.
“On average, do you know how
many gallons of water a tree
uses each year?” students were
asked.
“One thousand!” one student
correctly shouted.
“They help drink all the water
up,” another piped up.
4
This was the third time students
had planted trees at McKinley
Park, as previously planted ones have been broken down or
removed. But program leaders say the unintentional repetition
is helpful to the youngsters as they gain an appreciation for
trees and the way nature works.
“We like to get schools involved and help children understand
the value of trees and the benefits they bring to us,” Katherine
Korba of the Cornell Cooperative Extension explained. “We
want the kids to be stewards of the trees and tell their friends
what they can do to help the environment!”
Fifth grader Willie Surrey was
happy to be a tree steward,
explaining why they are
important. “Trees help the
community,” he explained. “When
you plant trees, the leaves take in
sunlight and make it into food for
the trees. Then, the leaves put out
oxygen that we breathe in!”
Classmate Jay’son Parker added,
“People have been breaking the
trees, but I’m glad I’m helping
plant more. They make us all
healthier!”
Great work to the McKinleyBrighton students for improving the neighborhood’s curb
appeal, and thank you to the staff and community partners
who led them in this project!
Freshmen and sophomores in the ITC P-Tech
program, along with more than 3,000 students from
across the United States and around the world, took
part in a “Marshmallow Challenge” as part of Global
Collaboration Day.
The Marshmallow Challenge presents students with a
unique design challenge: build the tallest free-standing
structure you can out of just 20 sticks of spaghetti, one
yard of tape, one yard of string, and one marshmallow.
An added twist? Participants only have 18 minutes
to complete their structure, and they do so while
participating in a live videoconference with other
participants from around the world. This Global
Collaboration Day activity is intended to help students
learn about working together through idea sharing to
accomplish a common goal.
For sophomore Lilly La, who was part of the winning
team with a 68.8 centimeter structure, preparation
was key. “I knew this was coming up, so I did a lot of
research,” she said. “I talked to my dad and grandpa, who are
engineers. I also knew that simple would be the best strategy
in a competition like this. Planning a lot in advance helped!”
One of Lilly’s teammates, freshman Ronnie Merriweather,
said the project’s goal—collaboration—contributed to their
win as well. “Our team planned it out and we all worked
together. Everyone had an equal part,” he said.
While students were critical of their performance, teachers
praised their interest in the activity.
“The whole thing is about teaching the students to work
together and collaborate,” P-Tech Coordinator Nick Lisi
explained. “They are working with kids they haven’t worked
with before, and look at the result… it’s just incredible!”
October & November 2015
News from the Schools
McKinley-Brighton Students Plant Trees to Brighten Up Neighborhood Park
Global
Collaboration
Day September 17, 2015
News from the Schools
October & NOvember 2015
“When you blow the harmonica, we have to put our PAX
signal up!” a student calls out, two fingers poised in a peace
sign high above his head.
ITC P-Tech
PAX Program
Encourages
Good Behavior
at SCSD Elementary
Schools
For freshman Salma Muse, despite some struggles building
a structure, the project was worthwhile. “We tried building
a pyramid base because a strong base is key,” she said. “But
our building was too tall—it collapsed! I liked this, though.
It was challenging!”
Event organizers noted that with over 3,000 students
participating in the Marshmallow Challenge, it may have set
a world record! Great work to all of the P-Tech students who
participated!
5
“This part is tricky… you got this! You’re almost there,” one
Danforth student yells to another who follows in his footsteps.
On the SCSD ropes courses, teamwork and support are the
ultimate objectives.
“The ropes courses have been growing as a way to help promote
teamwork in a non-competitive environment,” Fred Wheeler,
the Project Adventure
Ropes Course Coordinator,
explained, noting that students
and staff alike gain teamwork,
cooperation, confidence and
trust from participating.
6
Thanks to indoor ropes courses
at Frazer and Corcoran and
an outdoor course behind
ELMS at Meachem Field, the
SCSD community has access
to these activities and more. At
Fowler, a course is currently
being rebuilt and will soon
feature a rock wall.
As Danforth sixth graders
worked their way through the
course behind ELMS, student
Ameer Alrobyai explained
the challenge he and his
classmates were working to
overcome. “We have to help
each other, snap the rope to
each other and work one at a
time,” he said. “I learned about
teamwork and balance. It’s fun
because it’s a challenge!”
From finding ways to use
nonverbal communication
to arrange themselves in a
“It was scary because I’m afraid of heights,” Danforth student
Jarilyn Rosa admitted. “But I’m trying my best to push myself
and I’m getting my fears taken away!”
This personal development is
what Mr. Wheeler says is a key
takeaway. “Building trust is huge
for the kids, being able to trust
people,” he added. “A lot of kids
don’t know how to channel their
energy or communicate. This
forces them to take on leadership
roles, fix problems and come up
with new strategies.”
Free to anyone in the district,
outside agencies like Onondaga
Community College and the
Syracuse Police Department have
also used the course recently.
Last year, ELMS students visited
after state testing wrapped up,
and Corcoran and Clary summer
school students stopped by to try
out the zip line. Leading up to
the start of the new school year,
Bellevue staff even took part in
the fun!
If you are interested in trying
out the Project Adventure
Ropes Course, contact Fred
Wheeler or Chris Hodge to set
up an appointment.
McKinley-Brighton Students Celebrate 5th Annual
Walk to School Day
“What are you going to do when you
get to a curb?” a Safe Kids staff member
asked a cafeteria full of students at
McKinley-Brighton.
“STOP!” came the students’ resounding
reply.
With more than half of the students at
McKinley-Brighton walking to school
each day, the Walk to School Day
celebration was also intended to promote
the benefits of physical activity and
nutrition.
“We walked around to be healthy and
exercise to get our hearts to beat faster,”
fifth grader Malayshia Bonner said. “We
also learned to look left-right-left, stay
on the sidewalks and stop at the end of
the street.”
While older students were wellversed in these safety rules, younger
students enjoyed an opportunity for
reinforcement when staff read them
“Clifford Walks to School.”
And for some, the message was larger
than just health and safety. “The
walk taught us to get to school safely
by following the rules,” fifth grader
Armond Sampson said as he led a first
grader back to school. “But I also learned
that being nice and helping other
students is the best thing
to do.”
As part of the school’s fifth annual
celebration of International Walk to
School Day, students first participated
in a pep rally where staff from Safe Kids,
Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital,
Fed Ex and the Syracuse
Police Department
reminded them of
“We also learned to look left-right-left, stay on
safety tips and rules for
sidewalks and stop at the end of the street.”
walking to school.
Syracuse Police Chief
Frank Fowler reminded students
to tell their parents where they are
going, then to proceed directly to
their destination. He also encouraged
students to keep a look out and listen
for cars and any other dangers. “This is
important,” he explained. “We need to
teach them young!”
“We had a great event at McKinleyBrighton,” said Elizabeth Sapio, the
Upstate NY Coalition Coordinator for
Safe Kids. “Every day, 44 children get
hit by a car in the United States. By
walking with students on International
Walk to School Day, we can show
them how to walk safely.”
the
Thank you to all who took
part in International Walk
to School Day!
October & November 2015
News from the Schools
Have you ever wanted to try
out a zip line? How about a
giant ladder or a balance beam
elevated 30 feet in the air?
line by height to guiding each other through a low triangle
wire activity to supporting each other on a high ropes activity,
students were encouraged to be patient and work together to
overcome their individual struggles.
News from the Schools
October & NOvember 2015
SCSD Ropes Course Offers Unique
Teambuilding Experience
7
H.W. Smith
Students Host
Peace Rally
News from the Schools
C-SPAN Cities Tour Brings
Network, Rep. Katko to ITC
As Congressional Representative John
Katko entered ITC, a group of Media
Communications students greeted him,
shaking his hand and welcoming him to
their school.
Thanks to the C-SPAN Cities Tour,
students had the
opportunity to meet
their Congressional
Representative, giving
him a tour of their school
and explaining the
cutting-edge programs
offered through the
P-Tech program.
Intended to bring
C-SPAN staff, students,
teachers and local leaders
together, the Cities Tour
exposed ITC students to
the network’s free online
resources, including a
C-SPAN Video Library
that students can use for
school assignments. As
part of the event, Media
Communications students
even got to interview Rep. Katko in the
school’s broadcast studio!
The students interviewed their
Congressional Representative about
everything from why he became a
Congressman to what he has done
for the people of Central New York to
policy issues like tuition costs, poverty
and race.
said he looked at the interview as an
opportunity to improve his skills.
Senior November Keene, who hopes to
become a forensic photographer, said
the interview was valuable because of
the practical experience it provided.
“My sister is in communications, and
that’s what motivated me to enter the
program,” he explained. “I want to be on
the news! When I watch the video over
again, I will look for things
that I can improve on.”
Rep. Katko commended the
students—and their peers
behind the scenes—on their
professionalism. “What
you’re doing here at ITC is
innovative,” he stated. “You
kids chose to be here. You
are learning in a different
way, which is important,
and you are self-motivated.
I wanted to come here to be
your cheerleader!”
“Things like this give me a taste for
what it will be like when I go to college,”
November explained. “Now I know
what it will be like to interview people
like him.”
With hopes to become a television
broadcaster, classmate Kadeer Thomas
Seniors in the AP
U.S. Government and
Economics classes also had
the chance to speak with
the Congressman, asking
him about everything
from immigration to the
upcoming Presidential election.
Thank you C-SPAN, Time Warner
Cable and Representative Katko for
providing this one-of-a-kind experience
for students!
“We were excited to help celebrate International Peace Day
by having students create their own Peace Pledges and
asking families to share their hopes and dreams for their
children this school year,” Peaceful Schools Vice President
of Communications Dani Ryan said. “The evening’s peacethemed activities focused the entire community on each
person’s power to make H.W. Smith a more peaceful place.
Peaceful Schools is thrilled to partner with the staff and
students at H.W. Smith in promoting peaceful actions
throughout the school community!”
In addition to the Peace Rally event, third through sixth
graders enjoyed a Peace Assembly at school where they
learned about the importance of creating a peaceful
environment at their school.
They ended the events with a reading of “I am Somebody,” the
adopted H.W. Smith pledge for the year.
“The opening Peace Rally continued the strong momentum
our school has established for the 2015-2016 school year,”
Vice Principal Nick Scholz explained. “It is our goal to
include the entire community in the great work our students
and staff are accomplishing at H.W. Smith. In partnership
with Peaceful Schools, we have created a school centered
around peace, ensuring all students receive the needed
support to accomplish their dreams.”
I am Somebody
I am somebody. I was
somebody when I
came. I’ll be a better
somebody when I leave.
I am powerful, and I
am strong. I deserve
the education that I get
here. I have things to do,
people to impress and
places to go.
— Rita Pierson
October & November 2015
8
Students and families received “Peace Finders” sheets that led
them to certain parts of the school, where they participated in
peaceful events such as making peace posters, playing an egg
game and a hula hoop pass, making peace bracelets and more.
News from the Schools
October & NOvember 2015
H.W. Smith Principal Teri Haley served as the Master of
Ceremonies at the school’s first-ever Peace Rally. Intended
to create a sense of teamwork and inclusion with a focus on
a school centered on the characteristics of peace, dozens of
students, families and staff attended the event.
9
October & NOvember 2015
Elementary Schools Welcome Bicyclists During
Ride for Missing & Exploited Children
Students at Dr. King, Elmcrest,
Seymour and Westside Academy
cheered on 120 bike riders in The Ride
for Missing and Exploited Children as
they stayed on course to bike 100 miles
in one day. At LeMoyne and Hughes/
Syracuse Latin, the riders stopped to
grab a quick bite to eat and speak with
the students.
“We’re in this for the kids,” biker Molly
Ballard explained. “So to have them
so excited is such a boost. And they
actually learn the message now because
they are part of it! It’s a great thing to be
able to stop here and see their energy!”
Syracuse Latin second grader Kamiera
Carson was as impressed by the bikers
as the bikers were of she and her
classmates. “My favorite part of today
was when the bikers
got here. They are
working hard!”
The ride, organized
by the National
Center for Missing
and Exploited
Children, began in
1995 with the goal of
honoring the memory
of all missing
children and raising
public awareness of
the need for child
safety education. The
Syracuse ride is one
of five throughout
New York, with rides also taking place
in Utica, Rochester, Buffalo and Albany.
Prior to the bikers’
visit, SCSD students
participated in an
assembly where
they learned about
Internet safety and
general safety tips
such as not walking
alone, waiting in a
group at the bus stop
and telling a trusted
adult if they feel
unsafe.
Hughes third grader
Janiyah Romain
At Fowler High School, students
noticed a visible change upon entering
their cafeteria this school year. Rather
than a typical cafeteria setup, the space
was instead designed to look more like a
food court.
“There are tall tables this year that we
can stand around,” senior Michael
Vader explained. “And there are food
carts!”
The added tables and serving carts—as
well as new vending machines—were
added to give students additional
access to meals. Director of Food and
Nutrition Ken Warner said this variety
is key to feeding students on the go.
Students, meanwhile, say the changes
have come with some added benefits.
“There is much better food this year,”
student Kheyaire McMullen noted.
“And it’s more convenient than standing
in line. Instead, we can go to a vending
machine to get our food.”
explained, “I learned that you shouldn’t
give your address or phone number to
anyone and not to go online without
asking your parents first.”
The school visits even included a
visit from the Center for Missing and
Exploited Children’s mascot, Clicky,
who led songs and dances about being
safe. Thank you to the participants in
this year’s race for their tireless work
advocating for the children in our
community, and thank you to our SCSD
students for their enthusiastic support
of the bikers!
Want more photos?
Check out SCSD’s Flickr page
Access by visiting www.syracusecityschools.com
Fowler/PSLA Students
Clip Coupons
for
Troops
Classmate Destiny Lynch agreed. “There
are better varieties of food this year. We
can go to a taco station, get burritos,
even veggie burgers for people who
don’t eat meat!”
To view monthly menus or to provide
feedback about your school’s food
and nutrition program, please visit
syracusecityschools.com and click on
“Food and Nutrition.”
Junior Tim Kaiser appreciated the
added freedom and social aspect that
the new setup favors. “There are lots of
people in the cafeteria now,” he said.
“Because this year, we can stand up and
be more social, while we used to have to
sit all the time.”
While the food service changes are
getting rave reviews from students, Mr.
Warner said the ultimate goal—serving
more student meals—is also being
achieved. “The changes were prompted
by a need to offer alternative points
of service in district high schools to
encourage more students to participate
in meal programs,” he explained. “Now,
students can choose the regular serving
area or one of the five cafeteria locations
to get a meal.”
Thanks to Special Education Teacher
Doreen Wall, Fowler/PSLA students
are doing a good deed for members of
the military.
Military based
overseas can use
coupons even beyond
their expiration date
when shopping on
base, so students
gather on a regular
basis to compile
coupons to help them
stretch their budgets.
"I had done this years
ago when I taught
a Community Based 4th to 6th grade
classroom, and now that I'm back in
the Community Based classrooms at
Fowler, I am doing it again!” Ms. Wall
explained. “I like to take things on with
a double edged sword so to speak. It's a
win-win as the students gain vocational
skills and the military benefits from
using the coupons. We also touch on
math, consumer awareness, life skills,
geography, civics, and small motor
skills all in one activity.”
October & November 2015
News from the Schools
“Since participation in meal programs
at the middle schools is similar to that
at the high schools, we are hoping these
changes will encourage more students to
participate,” Mr. Warner added.
News from the Schools
10
In time, the food court-style setup is set
to expand into all district high schools.
For now, Nottingham has tested a
remote serving cart, with students
providing positive feedback. Carouselstyle vending machines have also been
installed at Lincoln, Clary and Grant,
and a new service line has been installed
at Danforth.
‘Food Court’ Concept
Comes to Life in SCSD Cafeterias
Thank you, students, for your work on
this wonderful project!
11
Students viewed “I Learn America,” a film chronicling five
English as a New Language (ENL) students in Brooklyn over
the course of a year. At their school, all students are new to
the United States and new to speaking English.
Mr. Dissard encouraged students to think about how their
experiences are similar to books on a shelf—the students’
experiences, like books, are waiting to be written. As a special
surprise, two of the students in the film, Sing and Sandra,
took questions
from Grant
students regarding
their experiences
of coming to the
United States and
trying to learn a
new language at a
new school.
ESL teacher Angela Alessandro said the connection Grant
students formed with the visitors was invaluable. "Our ENL
students saw themselves in the students from the film, and
our general education students were able to see what it’s like
coming to a new country and school,” she explained. “Part of
our Grant Middle School mission statement is ‘to promote
cultural understanding,’ and this was another step forward to
meeting that goal."
2
nd
Annual Say Yes Gala
Say Yes Gala Raises Funds for
Additional SCSD Scholarships
In partnership with Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner and
Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney, Say Yes
to Education Syracuse hosted its Second Annual Gala to
benefit the Say Yes Endowment Fund. This fund is critical to
realizing the SCSD mission of college and career readiness
for all students and has already provided 2,000 city students
with full scholarships to attend college. Thanks to a $200,000
donation from Key Bank and numerous donations from
individuals, this year’s event at the Landmark Theater raised
more than $261,000! Thank you to all who participated in
supporting our students through the Say Yes to Education
program!
News from the Schools
October & NOvember 2015
Seventh and eighth graders at Grant Middle School enjoyed
a discussion with award-winning documentary filmmaker
Jean-Michel Dissard as part of a ‘Book on a Shelf ’ lesson.
The visitors challenged the Grant students to make their own
‘books’ to tell their own stories. Mr. Dissard, Sing and Sandra
hope to return in the coming months to hear the students’
stories from students who are learning a new language and
culture, as well as the stories of students who were born
here. As the students learned from the film, whether you just
moved here or your family moved here 100 years ago, we all
have a story to tell. We are all a ‘Book on a Shelf.’
‘I Learn America’
Filmmaker Visits
Grant Middle
school
the United States and learning English. The students’ stories
began in far-away places such as Iraq, Burma and Kenya, and
several Grant students demonstrated their ability to speak
three or more languages!
Dr. King Students Raise Money
for United Way
October & November 2015
News from the Schools
Grant students
were then able to
discuss the idea
of what is home,
sharing their
own experiences
of coming to
to pay a quarter to participate in a themed day—such as hat
day or storybook character day. All proceeds were donated
to the United Way of Central New York, which serves
individuals and agencies in the local community.
Third grader Inese Odom said she enjoyed dressing up for
a good cause. “It was fun,” she said. “My favorite was crazy
clothes day, where we could wear our clothes inside out or
backwards!”
Classmate Mar’shon Scott explained the bigger picture of the
students’ efforts. “We’re doing this to help our community,” he
said.
Student Ebonee Thomas added, “It makes me feel happy
because a lot of people out there are in need and we want to
help them.”
12
Students at Dr. King Elementary took part in special
fundraisers throughout October to benefit the United Way of
Central New York. Each Friday, students had the opportunity
Dr. King students from kindergarten through fifth grade
raised more than $150 in their efforts. Thank you, students,
for your generosity in giving back to your community!
Want more photos?
Check out SCSD’s Flickr page
Access by visiting www.syracusecityschools.com
Say Yes to Education
has moved!
Say Yes to Education Syracuse
Ahmeed Turner, Scholarship Director
1005 W. Fayette Street
4th Floor
Syracuse, NY 13204
[email protected]
315-435-6462
13
George, who gave the commencement
address at Fowler’s graduation in May,
obtained his Masters in Public Health
from Upstate after graduating from
Syracuse
University in
2013. He said
his goal is to
keep working
to improve the
community
he has been
immersed in for
so long. “When
I graduate, I
hope to practice
medicine within the inner city of
Syracuse, to give back to the community
I grew up in,” he explained.
Cell & Developmental Biology and
Religion. “The SCSD prepared me to
be successful in college by helping me
to develop solid study techniques and a
foundation for learning,” she said. “I still
find myself making study guides and
outlines the way some of my teachers at
Corcoran taught me years ago.”
Classmate Julio agreed. “I found the
IB program immensely helpful,” he
said. “The rigor provided a strong
foundation for my studies in college,
which ultimately enabled me to succeed.
Succeeding in college was instrumental
in getting into medical school.”
With a few years left until she becomes
a practicing doctor, Birx said there is
one thing that will always stick with
her from her education in the SCSD.
“The diversity in the Syracuse City
School District taught me that every
individual has a unique background,”
she explained. “You can’t begin to help
or guide another person until you listen
to their story and try to understand
their specific needs. That is a lesson
I will carry with me throughout my
medical career.”
Class of 2019
DoctorS of
Medicine
Birx Allen
Corcoran ‘08
Julio Chanelo
Corcoran ‘09
George Thatvihane
Fowler ‘09
“ I found the IB program
immensely helpful. The
rigor provided a strong
foundation for my
studies in college, which
ultimately enabled me
to succeed. Succeeding
in college was
instrumental in getting
into medical school.
”
—Julio Chanelo on
Corcoran’s International
Baccalaureate Program
For Birx, her interest in healthcare
also stems from her upbringing.
“Growing up in the city of Syracuse
exposed me to the immense need
for quality, accessible healthcare
right in our communities,” she
explained. “As a future physician,
I hope to address some of the
healthcare needs specific to
Syracuse, such as the need for
preventative medicine. I want to
give back to the city I grew up in!”
14
Sophomore Clemente Vigilotti explained, “The
troopers kept telling stories about how dogs are equal
to people on the force and they should get protection,
too.”
Vests typically run anywhere
from $1,800 to $2,200, but
thanks to a company called
Vested Interest, the students
will be able to purchase
discounted vests for just over
$1,000. To fund this endeavor,
students have started selling
“Cause for Paws” t-shirts and
are also brainstorming other
ways to help raise money for
the cause, including a car
wash, bake sale, raffle and
more.
“I have been looking into
the medical field, and I also
thought about becoming
a state trooper,” junior
Dominique Hopkins said.
“Police dogs can help solve
cases—they have senses that
help us out, so they should be
given an equal uniform.”
All three medical students attribute
their time in the SCSD to their
success in continued education.
Birx insisted that Corcoran’s
International Baccalaureate
program was key, helping her
learn valuable skills and making
her eligible for scholarships that
opened the doors to her attending
the University of Rochester, where
she earned Bachelor’s degrees in
Led by AVID Coordinator Tina Jarmacz, the
project originated after a visit from New York State
Troopers last school year. “Students expressed a huge
interest in becoming Law Enforcement Officers,” Ms.
Jarmacz explained. “While the troopers were here,
we learned that their K-9 dogs were furnished with
bullet proof vests. But it turns out that the Syracuse
Police Department does not have vests for their dogs.
I thought it would be a wonderful way to combine
the AVID students from last year along with the new
freshmen AVID classes to bond together and make this
a community project!”
Fundraising efforts will continue through the end of the school
year. But regardless of how much is raised for the “Cause
for Paws” effort, students say their interest in the field of law
enforcement will continue.
Photo Courtesy of Upstate Medical University
Dr. Contreras was
recently selected to
serve on the Board of
Directors for ALAS
(Association for Latino
Administrators and
Superintendents). ALAS
is the nation’s premier
educational network and
strongest Latino advocacy
organization in the
country. Dr. Contreras
is joined on the Board of
Directors by distinguished
superintendents and
administrators from across the country who are committed
to serving the educational needs of all students including our
Latino youth.
“I want to go into the FBI and work in the K-9 unit,” junior
Nicola Vigilotti said. “My studies will be in veterinary
medicine, so I’m glad we’re doing this to help the dogs!”
Great work to all of these dedicated students!
Stay Connected
Stay Involved
October & November 2015
News from the Schools
Birx Allen (Corcoran ’08), Julio
Chanelo (Corcoran ’08) and George
Thatvihane (Fowler ’09) are making
history at Upstate Medical University,
where staff said the trio is the first
group of three SCSD graduates to enter
a College of Medicine class! The SCSD
alumni will be graduating in Upstate’s
Class of 2019 with their Doctor of
Medicine degrees.
AVID students at Henninger High School raised
more than $500 in their first week of fundraising to
contribute to bulletproof vests for K-9 dogs in the
Syracuse Police Department.
¡Felicitaciones
Dr. Contreras!
News from the Schools
October & NOvember 2015
Upstate College of Medicine
Henninger Students
Fundraise for Law
Enforcement in “Cause
for Paws”
SCSD Graduates
Pursue Medical Careers at
NEW
APP!
syracusecityschools.com
15
Stay Connected
Stay Involved
syracuse city school district
1025 Erie Boulevard West | Syracuse, NY 13204
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syracusecityschools.com
October & NOvember 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]
News from the Schools
Health & Wellness
Breakfast Program
Extended Learning Time
Initiative
Parterning with: The MOST,
Baltimore Woods, Peaceful
Schools, Redhouse, SU,
Syracuse Stage and Catholic
Charities
Personalized Blended
Learning
“My goals, my pace. Flexible
time, flexible space.”
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Vibrant & Supportive
School Culture
Our schools are a positive
place, where students are
engaged safe, welcomed and
supported
10
Great
Things
about the
4-Year Graduation
Rates increasing
Pre-K: Growing
1,500 students, 12 local
agencies, 38 community
sites, and 44 SCSD
classrooms
School Choice—
•Syracuse Latin
•PSLA
•Delaware Primary
•ITC (P-Tech)
•ELMS
Great New and/or
Renovated Facilities
Career and Technical
Education Program (CTE)
19 CTE Programs across 6
high schools