schools

Byron-Bergen Elementary School’s Celebration of Reading Challenge proves that Principal Brian Meister and Assistant Principal Amanda Cook, along with the entire student population, are “stuck” on reading.

Press release:

The Byron-Bergen Elementary School’s Celebration of Reading Challenge began on Dec. 5 — students pledged to read 20,000 books before the school year ended. On May 28, the entire school population gathered to hear the results, delivered by teacher Debbie Slocum: just over 510 motivated young readers had exceeded their goal, reading a total of 23,473 books.

And the students’ reward for all that reading? Inspired by the book “Stuck” by Oliver Jeffers, about an impossible tree where everything thrown into it gets stuck, Principal Brian Meister and Assistant Principal Amanda Cook promised to allow themselves to be duct taped to chairs during the assembly, and to wear clothes made of duct tape the next day.

“It’s a fun way to get students 'stuck' on reading,” Meister said. “It keeps them excited and wanting to read more, while the duct tape event itself is something they will always remember.”           

The Celebration of Reading is the brainchild of Byron-Bergen’s English Language Arts (ELA) Committee, which began the challenge in 2013 with a goal of reading 10,000 books (a target also exceeded by more than 8,000). The assembly included guest speaker Nancy Bailey from the Bergen Public Library who invited the children to visit the library and to keep reading over the summer. Selected readers from each grade level received new books to jumpstart their summers, some of which were signed by the authors or illustrators.

Teachers read selections from a few favorite books, complete with comic flourishes. Craig Schroth read from Mo Willems’ “Knuffle Bunny”; Taylor Farruggia read from “Strega Nona” by Tomie DePaola; Heather Young entertained with “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” by Judith Viorst and Ray Cruz; and Daneen Williams read from “Miss Nelson is Missing” by Harry G. Allard Jr. and James Marshall. Many other teachers participated in the event, including Nicole Newton, Mariah LaSpina and Karen Tischer.

A highlight of the readings was a hip-hop version of the Dr. Seuss classic “Green Eggs and Ham” by teachers Ken Rogoyski and Megan Wahl, assisted by student Katherine Rogoyski as “Fox I Am.” Students were also treated to a showing of the school’s video “Read a Book” (based on Taylor Swift’s song “Shake It Off”), which was produced at the beginning of the school year.

Byron-Bergen student Katherine Rogoyski and teacher Mrs. Wahl make Dr. Seuss’s “Green Eggs and Ham” come alive.

Mrs. Cook and Mr. Meister sport their custom-tailored duct tape regalia to celebrate Byron-Bergen Elementary students reading 23,473 books.

Press release:

The Genesee Valley Educational Partnership is pleased to announce that Brian Mayer was named a Library Journal Mover & Shaker for 2015. This recognition honors his work, both locally and nationally, for the development of gaming programs to support libraries and classrooms.

“Brian's recognition as one of 50 Library Journal Movers & Shakers this year is greatly deserved, said Christopher Harris, director, School Library System at the Partnership. “He exemplifies the goal of the School Library System to deliver local support and services at a national level. Brian’s work with game-based learning in our districts and his dedication to service within the Games and Gaming Round Table of the American Library Association are great success stories.”

Locally, Mayer is a regular visitor to many of the Partnership’s component-district schools where he co-teaches in libraries and classrooms using games from our curriculum-aligned board game library. As a game developer himself, Mayer has also helped lead local classes in exploring game design as a way to promote critical thinking and creative expression of student understanding.

Nationally, Mayer has been a huge force within the Games and Gaming Round Table of the American Library Association. For the past few years, he has led the move to reinvigorate the ALAPlay gaming event at the ALA Annual Conference. Last year, more than 400 people came to the event to play board games, interact with cosplayers, and learn more about running game programs in libraries. Mayer was also able to bring game companies back to the ALA exhibit floor through creative partnerships with the GameRT booth.

This summer, things will continue to grow with the addition of a pre-published game review event at ALAPlay and the inclusion of a board gaming space for attendees and families on the ALA exhibit floor.

Mayer joins fellow Partnership employees, Christopher Harris, director, School Library System and Andy Austin, library technology specialist, who were previously recognized as Movers & Shakers. The Partnership is now the only School Library Services organization in the country that is fully staffed by Library Journal Movers & Shakers.

Caption: Brian Mayer. Photo credit: JMS Studio and Gallery.

Diane Reed with a group of faculty and members from the community.

The Family Engagement Survey results from 2014 were presented at the Batavia High School Library during their "Data Café" Tuesday night.

Diane Reed, Ph.D., the Batavia City School District’s outside educational expert and associate professor in Educational Leadership at St. John Fisher College, shared the data from the community survey taken by families and other Batavia residents last fall. Reed is certified by the New York State Education Department to work with Focus Districts to help determine school effectiveness and discuss strategic plans with faculty and community members to improve it.

The community survey is one of three that make up the Data Triangle Survey. It was based on six tenets to measure effectiveness which include District Leadership and Capacity, School Leader Practices and Decisions, Curriculum Development and Support, Teacher Practices and Decisions, Student Social and Emotional Developmental Health, and Family and Community Engagement. The survey was composed of 50 statements and participants answered using a Likert scale. The total number of people who took the survey was 374. According to Reed; the low response rate is typical.

The overall data total results for the district showed that 75 percent or more of participants answered each of the 22 statements with either strongly agree or agree. These results are considered an asset.

For each of the other 28 statements, 50 to 74 percent of participants answered strongly agree or agree. These results are considered an emerging strength.

The overall data total results for the district also revealed no fewer than 50 percent of participants answered strongly agree or agree to any of the statements. These results show no possible risks for the district.

When breaking the statement results up by schools, the Batavia High School showed minimal possible risks.

“The Batavia City School District should be very proud because many responses are in the green asset area,” Reed said. “It is not too often with schools I work with to show strengths in a lot of the areas.”

Faculty members and parents divided into two groups to discuss the district’s strengths and weaknesses based on the survey results. Both groups came to the conclusion the district could improve on providing the community with more training on Common Core learning and positive engagement with students outside the classroom.

Jean Berry, mother of two boys who attend Batavia Middle School and Batavia High School, really enjoyed how teachers sent home postcards when her children were doing well in school. One suggestion she had was to use lexiles -- reading level measurements -- more effectively.

“When we have the Scholastic Book Fair, the books should be labeled with lexiles so I can buy the appropriate books for my sons’ reading level,” Berry said.

Moving forward, the district will consider hosting additional Common Core informational nights to help the community understand the standards especially at the secondary level. They also will encourage teachers to make positive calls home to help motivate students. 

Notre Dame High School held its 2015 commencement ceremony Saturday evening at the school.

Several students and supporters of the school received honors and awards during the ceremony.

The valedictorian was Abigail Bleier and the salutatorian was Natalie Moulton.

Anna Warner was named Woman of the Year and Joseph Falkowski III, Man of the Year.    

National Technical Honor Society Memberships went to Emma Francis and Emily Vandenbosch.

Special recognitions awards were:

• Msgr. Eugene F. Kolb Award for Outstanding Contributions to Catholic Education: Phil and Sally Bleier
• Msgr. David P. Herlihy Award for Outstanding Contributions to ND High School, Julie Mancuso and Jerry and Carm Reinhart

After the jump (click on the headline or the link below), more awards, more information on the special recognition awards and the concluding remarks by Dr. Joseph Scanlan, who officiated his final Notre Dame graduation with his retirement at the end of this school year.

John Fix hugs his son Dylan while Lorie Fix reacts to the moment.

To purchase prints, click here.

ND Class of 2015 “Top Ten” Academic Students

• Abigail Bleier – Valedictorian
• Natalie Moulton – Salutatorian
• Olivia Marchese
• Janelle Fancher
• Dennis Bleier
• Lucas Hull
• Anna Spring
• Emily McCracken
• Lindsey Bender
• Emily Vandenbosch 

National Honor Society members:

• Kristian Bank
• Lindsey Bender
• Abigail Bleier
• Dennis Bleier
• MaryBernadette Bochicchio
• Olivia Clark
• Audrey DiMatteo
• Joseph Falkowski III
• Janelle Fancher
• Kathleen Fischer
• Dylan Fix
• Rosemary Flumerfeldt
• Chase Hughes
• Lucas Hull
• Olivia Marchese
• Emily McCracken
• Paige Misiti
• Lydia Moens
• Natalie Moulton
• Taylor Perzia
• Marin Phillips-Reinhart
• Anna Spring
• Emily Vandenbosch
• Anna Warner

The 2015 Anima Christi (Spirit of Christ) awards:

• Abigail Bleier
• Dennis Bleier
• MaryBernadette Bochicchio
• Audrey DiMatteo
• Joseph Falkowski III
• Janelle Fancher
• Kathleen Fischer
• Dylan Fix
• Lucas Hull
• Emily McCracken
• Lydia Moens
• Natalie Moulton
• Caleb Nellis
• Patrick Spear
• Emily Vandenbosch
• Lana Votypka
• Anna Warner
• Joseph Zickl

Remarks delivered on the Special Recognition Awards:

This year it is our distinct privilege at Notre Dame High School to recognize two [2] individuals and two [2] couples for their meritorious dedication and service to Notre Dame High School  . . . and Catholic education in general. Their tireless "behind-the-scenes" efforts and positive contributions to the ND community serve as examples of “Leaders who Serve” to all of us at ND -- Board members, administration, faculty and staff, students, parents and alumni.

Msgr. Eugene F. Kolb Award for Outstanding Contributions to Catholic Education 

Our first award recipients will receive the Msgr. Eugene F. Kolb Award for Outstanding Contributions to Catholic Education. This year’s recipients have been staunch supporters of Catholic Education for many years in both word and action. 

No matter the venue -- whether it was supporting Catholic education at the former Holy Family Elementary School in Le Roy or here at Notre Dame High School -- this couple could always be counted on to volunteer at the drop of a hat to promote and foster Catholic education in the greater Genesee-Orleans County area.

No task was too big or too small for this couple to accomplish . . . whether it was serving as a members of the Holy Family School Home School Association and supporting fundraisers to promote Catholic Education at the Elementary level or serving as members of POND and/or the Chairperson of our ND Board of Trustees Technology Committee -- this year’s recipients have set the bar high – in keeping with our ND Mission statement of “developing leaders who serve” - when it comes to serving others. Staunch supporters of the Catholic education system, they have supported Catholic education by providing their children:  Abigail and Dennis – members of this year’s graduating class -- with the opportunity for a Catholic education throughout their formative years at Holy Family and at Notre Dame High School.

Please join me in recognizing this year's recipients of the prestigious Msgr. Eugene F. Kolb Award for Outstanding Contributions to Catholic Education  . . . Phil and Sally Bleier  . . . Congratulations, Phil and Sally.

Msgr. David P. Herlihy Award for Outstanding Contributions to ND High School

Our next recipients – one individual and one couple -- will be receiving the Msgr. David P. Herlihy Award for Outstanding Contributions to ND High School. They have also been individuals that could always be counted on to lend a hand if anyone needed help at ND! 

The first recipient of the Msgr. David P. Herlihy Award began her educational career as a student in the Syracuse City School District where she graduated from Henniger High School prior to receiving a degree in Travel and Tourism from Niagara University.

In keeping with our ND Mission Statement of “Developing Leaders who Serve” her never ending dedication to the students of ND has come in many forms. She was one of the initial founders of POND [Parents of Notre Dame] where she helped to organize our annual “welcome back” family picnic, and teacher appreciation day – which eventually turned into teacher appreciation week. She also ran the ND Book store for ten [10] years and worked many a Darien Lakes concert fundraiser in order to provide scholarships to deserving ND students.

No task was too big, or too small, for her to accomplish. She always approached any task at hand with a positive, "can do" attitude, and never once looked for individual recognition in the process. She truly serves our students as a role model and an example of the ideals which we expect all ND graduates to aspire to. 

Please join me in recognizing this year's recipient of the Msgr. David P. Herlihy Award for Outstanding Contributions to Notre Dame High School . . . A proud parent  along with her Board of Trustee husband Rick of 5 ND grads –[ Morgan ’01, Alexandra ‘03’ , Ricky ’05,  Patrick ‘08 , and Madelyn ‘14]  . . . Mrs. Julie Mancuso! Congratulations, Julie!

The next recipients of the Msgr. David P. Herlihy Award have contributed endless hours of dedicated service to ND  . . . most recently playing key roles in support of our current $5 million dollar Notre Dame “Faith in the Future” Capital Campaign as honorary Co-Chairpersons.

No task was too big or too small for this couple to tackle . . . this couple has always been the first to answer the call for assistance with a “can do” attitude whether at ND or in the Greater Batavia area. Collectively, they have served as advocates for ND’s original capital campaign in the early 2000’s for upgraded lab facilities and energy efficient windows as well as being generous benefactors and, as previously mentioned, Co-Chairs of our current capital campaign. 

Additional roles that these soon to be honorees have played currently include membership on the ND Board of Trustees, the UMMC Hospital Board as well as past membership on the Saint Jerome Guild and CASA Boards. 

Please join me in recognizing this year’s recipients of the Msgr. David P. Herlihy Award for Outstanding Contributions to ND High School. . . . The proud Grandparents of Class of 2015 member Marin Phillips-Reinhart  . . . Jerry and Carm Reinhart!  Congratulations, Jerry and Carm Reinhart!

Reverend David J. Scheider Alumni Award for Promoting the ND Image in the Community

This year's recipient of The Father David J. Scheider Alumni Award for Promoting the Image of ND in the Community -- a member of our 50 year anniversary class being honored at today’s graduation -- actively supported his Alma Mater until his untimely death on September 11, 2014.

Identified as a “die hard” Notre Damer, whose devotion to his Alma Mater was legendary, this year's award recipient never forgot his ND or Batavia roots and truly "bled blue and gold" as evidenced by the following memories shared by his sons Alex and Christopher:

His youngest son Alex remarked in a recent e-mail that “ND was more than just a high school to my father, it represented his family, his upbringing and much of his moral compass . . . My Dad always put his family and friends above his own desires, and that selflessness started at ND . . . ND and the education he earned [here] were more than just a platform for success , [rather] it was a launching pad for his philanthropic and selfless life of service to others."

His oldest son Chris remarked that there “were few things which his Dad spoke of with such fondness more than his Notre Dame experience. ND is firmly part of his heart and soul and forever will be there.”

His early years in education were spent right in our own backyard at the former St. Mary’s Elementary School here in Batavia.  . . Upon graduation from ND in 1965 -- where he was a stellar student-athlete and Student Council President as a senior - he went on to St. John Fisher College where he would graduate with a degree in Political Science in 1969.

Banking and the world of finance were in his blood. . .  It didn’t take him long to successfully rise through the banking ranks throughout his professional career, eventually securing the position of CEO of Hudson City Bankcorp -- one of America’s nationally renowned leading lending agencies based in Paramus, NJ.

It was at Hudson City where he drew national attention as Mad Money’s George Bailey “National Banker of the Year” while helping Hudson City earn the Forbes Magazine Best Managed Bank Award in the U.S. in 2007, the same year that he was recognized by St. John Fisher College with the Bittner School of Business Excellence in Management Award. 

Notre Dame High School owes a deep debt of gratitude to this year’s recipient, his lovely wife, Kris, and the Hermance Family Foundation for their ongoing track record of “paying it forward” by providing financial assistance to countless ND families in need of tuition assistance, in turn, making the ND experience a reality for these families over the last eleven [11] years here at ND. 

Please join me in recognizing the 2015 recipient of the Reverend David J. Scheider Alumni Award for Promoting the Image of ND in the Community. . A 2010 Notre Dame High School Distinguished Alumni Award recipient and a dear friend and member of the ND Class of 1965 . . . Mr. Ronald E. Hermance Jr.! 

Accepting this prestigious award tonight on behalf of Ron and the Hermance Family Foundation will be Ron’s wife and Batavia native, Kris Brown Hermance, and Ron and Kris’ daughter, Emily. . .Congratulations!

Dr. Joseph Scanlan's concluding remarks:

I would  . . . in conclusion . . .  like to thank all of the parents, grandparents and extended family members of this year’s graduating class . . .  as well as the members of the ND faculty and staff and student body, and alumni from the ND Class of 1965. . . who have joined us today, for the support that you have given this year’s graduates – and Notre Dame High School – during their four years as students here.

This year’s class has left its mark on ND – academically, athletically and from a “service to others” perspective. To date, the Class of 2015’s collective membership has earned academic scholarships in excess of $4.5 MILLION DOLLARS for their future collegiate careers!!! 100% of the Class of 2015 will be college bound in the Fall of 2015.

In keeping with our ND Mission statement of “Developing Leaders Who Serve," the Graduating Class of 2015 has volunteered 2,300 community service hours to help others in need.

Members of this class have earned NYS Scholar-Athlete status 57 times over their varsity student-athlete careers, as well as having garnered 21 GR league championships, 12 Section V championships and 2 NYSPHSAA State Championships – One in Softball [2012] and the other in Girls Basketball [2013].

The Class of 2015 has played a key role in the ongoing notoriety that Notre Dame High School has gained in Western New York as a result the annual Buffalo Business First report on Secondary Schools. During their freshmen, sophomore and junior years, this year’s graduates have contributed to the following milestones:

• The # 1 ranked Private Catholic Co-Educational HS for the 7th consecutive year in a row in Western New York [as well as achieving];
• The #1 Academic High School in Genesee, Wyoming and Orleans Counties for the 7th consecutive year;
• A “Top 15%” ranking in all 135 secondary schools in WNY – both  for the 7^th consecutive year.

Our prediction is that the Class of 2015 will have had a great deal to do with the continuation of these accolades at ND when Buffalo Business First releases their 2015 rankings on Friday, June 12.

Continue to spread the word – Notre Dame High School is alive and well and here to stay!

To our newest alumni – members of the Class of 2015 – Congratulations on a job well done! Good luck to you in your future. Stay true to Our Lady and the ideals you’ve learned at ND! 

With this word of congratulations, so ends our 61st annual graduation ceremony at ND. Thank you for coming and for your ongoing support of Notre Dame High School!

Batavia City School District will host a Data Cafe on June 2, from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. in the High School’s library. At this cafe, Diane Reed, Ph.D., our Outside Educational Expert (OEE), will share information from the Data Triangle Survey, completed by our community last fall, and then will facilitate conversation regarding the information. Light refreshments also will be provided.

As a certified OEE, Reed is approved by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) for working with Focus Schools and Focus Districts as they measure their effectiveness based on six tenets which have been proven to be key factors in school effectiveness: District Leadership and Capacity; School Leader Practices and Decisions; Curriculum Development and Support; Teacher Practices and Decisions; Student Social and Emotional Developmental Health; and Family and Community Engagement.

Reed worked with our District to facilitate the Data Triangle Survey -- the three-pronged survey approved by the State which uses the six tenets as a guide in gathering input from staff, students and families. That input was used in the evaluation of District and school effectiveness and then was used in creating strategic plans for improving effectiveness. Reed continues her assistance in preparing the District for its reviews by the NYSED.

In addition to her work as a consultant at the international, national, state and local levels, Reed is the director and an associate professor in the master's degree program in Educational Leadership at St. John Fisher College. She co-authored a book titled "Resilient Leadership for Turbulent Times," and has written chapters that have been included in several others. She has also received numerous awards for her leadership in education. During her 15 years as a superintendent in New York State, her district was named in the top 1.5 percent of the school in the nation by Newsweek magazine and in the top 3 percent of school in Upstate New York by BusinessWeek.

All are encouraged to attend this informative evening.

The Kiwanis Club of Batavia honored the Top 10 students at their weekly lunch today.

In addition to the Top 10 honorees, Bryce Rogers received the Outstanding Citizenship Award, and Music awards were given to Chelsea Mountain, Mason Battaglia and Lauren Dunn.

Here's bio information on each of the Top 10 students:

Samir Jain is the son of Dr. Lalit and Abha Jain of Batavia. Samir will be attending Cornell University at the School of Industrial and Labor Relations. Samir is one of 25 seniors out of 20,000 in Western New York to be recognized with First Team honors on Business First’s 2015 All-Western New York Academic Team. He is captain of the varsity soccer and tennis teams, a member of the champion scholastic bowl and math teams, and an attorney for the regional-finalist mock trial team. Samir participates in community service as a volunteer for Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership.

Katie Kesler is the daughter of Paul and Jana Kesler of Batavia. Katie will be attending Boston University in the fall to major in both Behavior and Health and Hispanic Language and Literature. She plans to attend graduate school to become an occupational therapist. Katie has been involved in Mr. Batavia, mock trial, student government, National Honor Society, Youth Court and jazz band. She was a scholar athlete on the varsity soccer team. She attends Grace Baptist Church where she helps out in the nursery and in a preschool class. Katie especially enjoys volunteering at YMCA Challenger Sports.

Dylan Beckman is the son of Anthony and Jolene Beckman. He is attending the University of Rochester with an intended major of Optical Engineering. He plans to get some experience in the field, and then return to school to obtain a graduate degree in the field and eventually become an Optical Engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Labs. Dylan is vice president of his class, he is a member of National Honor Society, Science Olympiad, Link Crew, mock trial, and participated in this year’s Mr. Batavia Pageant, securing third place.

Brandon Smart is the son of Doug and Bernadette Smart of Batavia. Brandon received the Dean’s Scholarship to the University of Rochester and will be majoring in computer science to one day become a researcher on the quantum computer team at Google. He is a member of National Honor Society, treasurer of the senior class, regional finalist in the 2015 Science Olympiad competition and seven-year veteran of the championship math team.

Andrew Maniace is the son of Rick and Kathy Maniace of Batavia. Andrew received the Rensselaer Medal Scholarship, and will be attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy in the fall majoring in nuclear engineering. He is in National Honor Society, math team, Science Olympiad, a contributor to "Blue Canon," and was a contestant in Mr. Batavia. Andrew has been a three-season scholar athlete on varsity cross-country, indoor and outdoor track teams for the last four years.

Bryce Rogers is the son of Paula and Durin Rogers. Bryce will attend American University participating in their prestigious Scholars Program having received the Dean’s Scholarship. Bryce intends to dual-major in International Relations and Economics while concentrating in Foreign Policy and National Security. At BHS, Bryce is an active member of the mock trial team, National Honor Society, is the managing editor of BHS’ Literary Magazine, and band president. Bryce is active in his community serving on the Genesee County Youth Court and the County Youth Board as secretary. Bryce is also the AmeriCorps Program coordinator for the Batavia Summer Recreation program.

Emily DiBacco is the daughter of Michael and Mary Beth DiBacco of Batavia. Emily is president of National Honor Society, Student Ex-Officio to the Board of Education, an editor for the "Blue Canon" literary magazine, a Link Crew leader, and a committee head for the Mr. Batavia Pageant. She has also been a scholar athlete on the varsity swimming and diving team, as well as a member of the Board of Education’s Code of Conduct Committee. Emily will be attending the University of Pittsburgh with a double major in Business Administration and English, to pursue a career in publishing.

Rebecca Canale is the daughter of John and Cindy Canale of Batavia. Rebecca will be attending the University of Rochester in the fall majoring in Biology with a minor in Business in hopes of attending medical school to become a pediatrician. She is very involved in the school community, participating in varsity soccer, indoor and outdoor track, mock trial, student government, Tri-M Honor Society, National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, beauty shop quartet, chorus, Link Crew, and Mr. Batavia. Rebecca also participated in the Roswell Park Summer Research Program as an intern in the Cell Stress Biology department.

Brooke Leddon is the daughter of Shane and Crystal Leddon of Batavia. Brooke is attending SUNY Brockport and majoring in Political Science with a double minor in International Relations and pre-Law. Brooke has been a part of the varsity swimming and diving team since she was in seventh grade.  She has been the team captain for the past two years.  Brooke plans on continuing her diving career at Brockport in the fall.

Kristyn Mott is the daughter of Amy and Jamie Mott.  Kristyn received the Dean’s Scholarship along with the Horizon Scholarship and will be attending Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida. She will be majoring in business of Art and Design. She plans to work in the advertising and marketing community. Kristyn was a three-season scholar athlete for varsity soccer and indoor and outdoor track. She plans to continue pole vaulting with different local clubs while in college.

Info and photo submitted by Lauren Humphrey.

St. Joseph Catholic School students walked to meet sponsor pledges they raised in an effort to promote exercise and supplement funding for technology improvements.  The students have raised more than $3,000 to date and are still accepting donations. Visit our Web site, www.sjsbatavia.org  if you would like to make a donation online!

Results from Tuesday's school budget vote for the Oakfield-Alabama Central School District:

Results from Tuesday's vote in the Batavia City School District vote:

I.  Budget - $43,108,373 (increase of $122,011 or 0.28%: $0.00 increase in tax levy)
   Yes   - 426 (85.03%)
   No    - 75  (14.97%)

II.  Capital Reserve - $7,500,000, ten years
   Yes -  391  (81.12%)
   No -    91   (18.88%)

III.  Transportation Mileage Change - Grades 2-4 > 0.50 miles and Grades 9-12 >1.50 miles within the city limits (all outside city limits are eligible already)
  Yes -  405  (83.16%)
  No -   82   (16.84%)

It's budget vote day in the Batavia City School District.

Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 9 p.m.

Besides the proposed 2015-16 budget, residents are asked to vote on establishing a capital reserve fund, a mileage change in transportation, and three board of education seats.

A summary of the public proposal is available on the district Web site, as well as all the budget documents.

If you live north of Route 5/Main Street, vote at Robert Morris. If you live south of Route 5/Main Street, vote at Batavia High School.

Press release:

The Byron-Bergen Central School District’s emphasis on educating the whole student recently earned it a place on Character.org’s annual list of State Schools and Districts of Character. These 80 schools and four districts from around the United States demonstrate a dedicated focus on character development that has a true positive impact on academic achievement, student behavior, and school climate.

“This is a great honor for everyone in our district — from the students and parents to the teachers and administrators. They have all been united in their efforts to make our schools places where students can learn to be both intelligent and good citizens,” said BBCSD Superintendent Casey Kosiorek. “I am so proud to see our school community recognized for their dedication and hard work.”

BBCSD adopted a district-wide framework for character education in 2012 that teaches students about leadership, ethics, decision making, and respect. It centered on the district’s core values, "Challenge, Engage, Nurture." The Olweus Bullying Prevention Program (www.violencepreventionworks.org) has since become an integral part of the education experience at all grade levels. “The Leader in Me” (www.theleaderinme.org), a whole-school transformational model that uses Steven Covey’s Seven Habits and gives students self-confidence and life skills, was also adopted in 2012.

The extensive School of Character application process was navigated by Amanda Cook and Patrick McGee, assistant principals at the elementary and Jr./Sr. high schools. “The process offered us the chance to reflect on our character education initiatives and identify areas of strength as well as opportunity,” Cook said. “Their reviewers gave us feedback that will help us strengthen current practices using the 11 Principles of Character Education framed by Character.org.”

The character education movement is a proactive effort to help students recognize, and then do, what’s right. In schools of character, teachers work together as professionals, with parents and community members as partners. They positively shape the social, emotional, and character development of their students. Children in these schools feel safe, respected, and connected to those around them, allowing them to thrive academically and socially and be motivated to give back to their communities.

Character.org (www.character.org), is a national nonprofit based in Washington, D.C., that works with schools to inspire, educate, and empower young people to be ethical and engaged citizens.

Caption: Character education is built into daily life at all grade levels at Byron-Bergen Schools. (l-r) Students Clare Fraser and Grace Pulcini; assistant principals Patrick McGee and Amanda Cook; students Pearl Jolliff and Rayna Brew.

Genesee Community College held is 47th commencement ceremony Sunday in the Anthony Zambito Gymnasium.

Kristin Skarie, a Fairport resident and author of “A Year of Nothing New—Tools for Living Lean and Green,” was the keynote speaker.

Le Roy's Bob Bennett was honored for his years of dedicated service to the college.

Casey Kosiorek, third from left, superintendent of schools for Byron-Bergen, was honored last night in Rochester by the Genesee Valley ASCD with a Supervision Award.

The award recognizes Kosiorek's outstanding leadership of the school district from an organization with a mission to highlight exceptional curriculum and supervision practices.

Also honored were J. Kenneth Graham Jr., of Rush-Henrietta, Renee Williams, of Honeoye Falls-Lima, with a Curriculum Award, and Mark Kokanovich, president of the Brighton Board of Education, with a Service Award.

All of the entries in the Landmark Society's annual architectural drawing contest have all been hung in the children's room at the Richmond Memorial Library.

Local artist Brandi Bruggman is the contest judge this year. There will be winners announced in a ceremony at the library Tuesday night for first, second and third place, along with 20 honorable mentions.

Five schools are participating this year: John Kennedy, Pavilion, Oakfield-Alabama, Elba, and Byron-Bergen. Every year, the fourth-grade students from each school in the county are invited to submit entries.

Landmark Society Board Member Barb Miller is coordinating the contest with Elba Art teacher Stephanie Rudman and B-B Art teacher Melissa Condidorio.

Molly Barker, who founded Girls on the Run in 1996 in her hometown of Charlotte, N.C., visited Batavia Middle School today to meet with the local members of the after-school girls activity and charity group.  

The girls won the visit after beating out 87 other schools in a contest to collect the most donated used shoes for people in need.

Previously:

• 'Girls on the Run' program at Batavia Middle School aims to have positive impact on community

• Batavia Middle School students tops in shoe drive

Submitted by Lauren Humphrey:

St. Joseph Catholic School student Kate Ricupito has been named a “State Grand-Level Winner” in this year’s Zaner-Bloser National Handwriting Contest! Approximately 300,000 entries were submitted and Kate’s submission will now advance to the Grand National Championship. Kate was awarded an engraved Zaner-Bloser State Winner Medallion. Her teacher, Mrs. Clattenburg, was awarded an engraved Glass Diamond Award, and the school has been recognized with a $200 Zaner-Bloser gift certificate!

Now in its 24th year, the National Handwriting Contest is an annual event sponsored by Zaner-Bloser to promote legible handwriting. The contest is free to enter and open to all students in Grades K–8. Students can win many great prizes, including cash and trophies. Zaner-Bloser estimates that more than 4 million students have participated in the contest over its 23-year history.

Pictured, from left: Mrs. Mary Zehler, Kate Ricupito, Mrs. Marianne Clattenburg and Mrs. Karen Green. (Photo credit: Mrs. Barbara Paserk)

Press release:

John Borrelli, Board of Trustees president, announced that Mr. Wade Bianco has been named the new principal of Notre Dame High School of Batavia effective July 1, 2015. After an extensive search process that included several committees of highly respected faculty, administration, staff, students, parents, board members and community members; three rounds of highly qualified candidate interviews, Mr. Wade Bianco emerged as the overwhelming choice to lead Notre Dame High School.

“We are excited to welcome Wade to our administrative team. His experience in education is extensive and includes instructional leadership at the high school level. He comes with a wealth of knowledge not only in academics, but also in co-curricular activities and athletics,” Borrelli stated. “Wade is a creative and effective communicator and listener and is a very insightful and knowledgeable leader. His high expectations and genuine caring for students, staff, and families will serve the Notre Dame community well,” added Borrelli.

Mr. Bianco demonstrated the attributes the Notre Dame High School family sought for its Catholic co-educational school including outstanding leadership abilities with a dedication to the concept and practice of positive school culture and core values. His understanding of the value parents as partners bring to the educational experience, expertise as an instructional leader and deep understanding of the current standards and assessment processes made him the clear choice for the position.

Wade is replacing long-time, beloved Principal Dr. Joe Scanlan, who is retiring at the end of this school year after 43 years in education, which includes 15 years at Byron-Bergen, 17 years at York and the last 11 years serving at his alma mater as principal of Notre Dame High School.

Opportunities for faculty, staff, parents and members of the community to meet and welcome Mr. Wade Bianco to the Notre Dame family will be announced in the near future. 

With their robot "Big Mistake," the robotics team at St. Joseph Catholic School took home a championship trophy at the VEX IQ Robotics Highrise Funfest, held Saturday at the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library. St. Joe's recently integrated a robotics program into its curriculum for eigth-grade students. Teams from throughout WNY participated in the competition. "Big Mistake" also won the Design Award for being able to move multiple cubes at once. Photo: Maya Rademacker, Matthew Stevens and Paige Johnston.

Photo and info submitted by Lauren Humphrey.

Students at Batavia Middle School beat out 87 schools in a shoe drive as part of the Girls on the Run program.

The girls collected 1,220 donated pairs of shoes.

As a result of the big win, Molly Barker, founder of Girls on the Run, will visit Batavia Middle School at a future date.

"We wanted to put a thank you out there to the community for all of their support," said teacher Sarah Gahagan. "We had over 90 Batavia families donate to this cause. Just goes to show how when a community pitches in great things can happen."

Photos and info submitted by Sarah Gahagan.

Principal Paul Kesler is a man of his word. 

The die-hard Red Sox fan promised the students of John Kennedy School that if they met their fundraising goal to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, he would don Yankees garb, get on the roof of the school and sing "Let it Go."

In the "Pennies from Parents" program, the students raised $1,619.89.

On Friday, Kesler followed through on his promise, much to the delight of the JK students.