Byron Bergen High School

Press Release:

Twenty-six boxes of school and athletic supplies arrived in Belize on August 7, destined for the Soccotz R.C. School in San Ignacio. The story of the boxes began five months earlier when the Byron-Bergen Adventure Club traveled to Belize over Spring Break. 

Their visit to the Soccotz R.C. School included meetings with students and staff as well as classroom tours and a game of soccer. The visit also revealed that the classrooms were under-resourced and relied on supply donations or, in some cases, the purchase of school supplies by teachers. 

This realization led a few Byron-Bergen students to brainstorm ways of supporting the Belizean school by helping provide supplies and materials. Tenth-grade students Ava Goff, Megan Jarkewicz, and Libby Starowitz were among these students.

“I wanted to participate in the Belize donation event because seeing so many people in need really opened my eyes,” said Jarkewicz. “That trip helped me to appreciate how many basic materials we can afford here in the United States. Walking through the classrooms at the Succotz R.C. School and seeing how little those kids truly had sparked something in me to want to help.”

Under the guidance of Science Teacher and trip coordinator Peter Spence and parent chaperone Sherry Starowitz, the three students developed a strategy to help their new friends in Belize. 

They prepared presentations to local businesses and secured support with shipping costs and supply purchases. Donations from Liberty Pumps, Triple-O Heating, Cooling, Electrical & Plumbing, and Turn Key Operations provided teaching materials, athletic equipment, and shipping costs.

“I was surprised by how happy the students in Belize were even though they didn’t have the facilities or supplies we have,” said Starowitz. “I’m most proud of how the Byron-Bergen community came together to support the school in Belize.”

“Something that excited me the most while doing this project is that not only was I helping the school but also the kids,” said Goff. “While in Belize we ended up playing soccer with a couple of kids and that encouraged me even more to want to help provide for them and their school.” 

With transportation and larger supply donations secured, the students turned their attention to small donation collections. In collaboration with district administration, the students placed boxes in the Byron-Bergen Elementary School and Jr./Sr. High School for basic school supplies and devised a sixth-grade kickball challenge to boost donations. Students, teachers, and community members donated generously.

“I’m very impressed with the girls’ hard work and the support from Mr. Spence and the B-B community,” said Adventure Club parent chaperone Sherry Starowitz. 

Goff, Jarkewicz, and Starowitz organized, inventoried, and packed the donations for delivery to Liberty Pumps, who handled shipping.

“Libby, Ava, and Megan led the project from conception to close amidst finals, the end of the school year, and summer vacation,” said Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School Principal Paul Hazard. “Their dedication to the cause is inspiring. Mr. Spence and Mrs. Starowitz were great facilitators and the generous donations from three local businesses left me in awe of the power of our school community.”

Submitted photos.

Press Release:

Byron-Bergen Senior High School was named on the 2024 list of America’s Best High Schools as determined by U.S. News & World Report. To qualify for this title, Byron-Bergen Senior High School ranked in the top 40% of schools nationally. This is the sixth year in a row that Byron-Bergen Senior High School has earned this distinction.

"I am incredibly proud of our students and staff,” said Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School Principal Paul Hazard. “This recognition is further validation that Byron-Bergen is a special district.”

According to the publication’s website, the list identifies top-performing high schools based on scoring comprised of six factors:

• College readiness (30% of the ranking): The College Readiness Index, or CRI, is measured by the proportion of a school's 12th graders who took and earned a qualifying score on Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) exams in the 2021-2022 academic year. 
• College curriculum breadth (10%): This is the percentage of 12th graders from the class of 2021-2022 who took a wide variety of AP and IB courses across the multiple disciplines and the percentage of 12th graders who earned a qualifying score on them.
• State assessment proficiency (20%): This measures how well students scored on state assessments that measure proficiency in reading, science and mathematics. States often look closely at student performance on these tests to determine whether learning in core subjects is achieved and to review how well schools are educating students.
• State assessment performance (20%): This is the difference between how students performed on state assessments and what U.S. News predicted based on a school's student body. 
• Underserved student performance (10%): This is how well the student population receiving subsidized school lunch and Black and Hispanic populations perform on state assessments relative to statewide performance among students not in those subgroups. This state assessment underserved student performance indicator is based on 2018-2019 state assessment data. 
• Graduation rate (10%): For the 2023-2024 rankings, the graduation rate corresponds to the 2022 high school class graduation cohort who would have entered ninth grade in the 2018-2019 school year. High school graduation rates were collected directly from each state along with the math, reading and science assessment data.
• For more information on Byron-Bergen’s ranking on the U.S. News & World Report list, visit https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/new-york/districts/byron-bergen-central-school-district/byron-bergen-junior-senior-high-school-13565  

Press Release:

Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School College and Career Counselor Rob Kaercher is helping students get inspired for their futures. On March 28, students in grades 6 through 12 took part in Career Day which included 75 guests from local companies, organizations, colleges, unions, and military branches. 

The goal of the event was to introduce students to career opportunities across a broad spectrum of skills.

“The focus for a long time was on just getting students enrolled in college and that’s no longer the case,” said Kaercher. “We want the students to explore options and think about what they want their future to look like. From there, we can help them get the tools they need, whether it be a degree or certificate or apprenticeship.”

Students rotated through a variety of presentations including a young alumni panel where recent graduates discussed their diverse paths after graduation. Other presentations highlighted college degree programs, careers in the military, trade unions, agriculture, civil service, and not-for-profits.

One panel presentation with a local twist focused on jobs and career paths in Genesee County. It was moderated by Chris Suozzi, VP of Business and Workforce Development from the Genesee County Economic Development Center, and included Deputy Director of Human Resources in Genesee County Tracy Augello, Director of Human Resources for the City of Batavia Rebecca McGee, New York State Department of Labor Workforce Program Specialist Robert Coe, and President of the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce Brian Cousins. 

They discussed local jobs, who is hiring, what is important in landing a job, and how different careers have different training requirements.

"The Byron-Bergen approach to Career Day is a refreshing change from the traditional choices of college or trade school,” said Jr./Sr. High School Principal Paul Hazard. “Mr. Kaercher and our team are helping students identify their goals and skill sets, and then find the right path to achieve their aspirations. That is also why Coach Fitch was an ideal keynote speaker.”

The students attended a keynote address by Fairport Basketball Coach Scott Fitch. He talked about his experience coaching Team USA and his involvement in Section V. He also shared personal stories from his players that illuminated the damage social media can do to career paths for students who are not careful with the content they post and curate. He emphasized staying positive on social media.

“Through the lens of social media, I challenged the kids to be better,” said Fitch. “To be better people, students, and friends. Many of the kids were nervous at the thought of us looking at their social media. The kids really resonated with the message and were a great audience. Byron-Bergen is a special place because people care. I was very excited to be a part of Career Day. Few schools offer a day like this to their students.”

“Coach Fitch’s presentation was really impactful,” said Kaercher. “Our students may not think they have much of a digital imprint, but everything they post or comment on can affect their future.”

The day rounded out at the Opportunity Fair. Veering again off the well-worn path of a traditional career fair, the Opportunity Fair featured career paths as well as summer jobs, volunteer opportunities, representatives from colleges, the military, unions, local non-profits, government agencies, and entrepreneurs. The Opportunity Fair was a chance for students to seek out and learn more about their areas of interest in a casual setting.

“It’s so important to be exposed to companies and speakers and network with people who could inspire you on a career path that you love,” said Kaercher.

Press Release:

Byron-Bergen Central School District proudly announces that on Friday, Nov. 3, senior Mackenzie Hagen signed a letter of intent to attend Roberts Wesleyan University as a member of their women’s soccer team. At Roberts Wesleyan, she plans to enter the Pre-Veterinary Medicine program, majoring in Biology. 

Her commitment to Roberts Wesleyan was witnessed by her parents, her sister Crystal, and Byron-Bergen Varsity Girls Soccer Coach Wayne Hill. 

“Mackenzie is ready for the next level of soccer competition,” said Byron-Bergen Athletic Director Rich Hannan. “Her outstanding work ethic and speed make her an incredible athlete, but she is also a gifted leader on and off the field. I wish her the very best at Roberts Wesleyan.” 

Hagen is a 6-year Varsity Soccer player and a member of three consecutive Section V championship teams. She participates in Varsity Track and Field where she is a member of the record-holding 800m Sprint Medley Relay team. She is also a Scholar Athlete and Genesee Region All-Star. In addition to sports, Hagen is a member of the National Honor Society. She would like to thank her parents, sister, and coaches.

Press Release:

On Monday, August 7, Carol Stehm returned to Byron-Bergen as Interim Jr./Sr. High School Principal. Stehm will serve through the end of the 2023 calendar year. During this time, the District will conduct a thorough search for a permanent replacement. Stehm also served as Interim Principal at the Byron-Bergen Elementary School for the first half of the 2022-23 school year.

“I am excited to welcome Mrs. Stehm back to Byron-Bergen,” said Superintendent Pat McGee. “She expertly facilitated the smooth and successful transition to Principal Kristin Loftus at the Elementary School in December, and I am confident that she is the ideal person to lead the Jr./Sr. High School during the search process.”

Stehm retired from the Gates Chili Central School District in July of 2021 where she was the Associate Superintendent for Instruction. She served as Interim Principal of Northwood Elementary School in the Hilton School District during the 2021-22 academic year. In her 36-year career, she served as an Interim Superintendent, Middle School Principal, and High School Assistant Principal. She taught elementary and gifted education and currently teaches for SUNY Brockport as an Adjunct Professor in the Educational Leadership Department.

“I am genuinely thrilled to return to Byron-Bergen,” said Stehm. “I had a wonderful experience at the Elementary School last year and look forward to getting to know the older students and seeing some familiar faces.”

Press Release:

On Friday, June 23, the Byron-Bergen Class of 2023 crossed the stage at Roberts Wesleyan’s Hale Auditorium and into the next chapter of their lives. Amidst the cheers of their friends and families, the graduates were recognized for their years of hard work and welcomed to the ranks of proud Byron-Bergen alumni. Although the graduates were not promised an easy ride, the mantra that echoed through the auditorium was “perseverance”.

A traditional rendition of “Pomp and Circumstance” by Edward Elgar, performed by the Byron-Bergen High School Concert Band under the direction of High School Music Teacher Kevin Bleiler, provided the ambiance for the practical but optimistic ceremony. Jr./Sr. High School Principal Ashley John Grillo welcomed family, friends, and faculty present at the ceremony.

“You are a big part of the success we celebrate today,” said Grillo. Grillo enumerated some of the many accomplishments to which the seniors contributed including varsity athletic championships, the show-stopping spring musical “Hairspray”, and notable achievements for academic teams and clubs. Grillo then encouraged the graduates to take risks and never stop striving for their goals. “Move on to what is next. Choose your adventure. Don't be afraid to fail.”

Byron-Bergen Superintendent Pat McGee took to the stage with a personal message for each student. “I have known you for four years as principal and two years as superintendent,” said McGee. “I will miss your honest feedback, side conversations, and informal hallway check-ins. You will be missed.”

He then recited a poem by American author Shel Silverstein:

Listen to the Mustn’ts, listen to Don’t.
Listen to the Shouldn'ts, the Impossibles, the Won'ts.
Listen to the Never Haves, then listen close to me.
Anything can happen, child,
Anything can be.

This sentiment was reinforced by Salutatorian Zoey Shepard. “I didn’t want to talk about COVID today,” said Shepard. “We are collectively a pretty challenging class, but the pandemic made us stronger.” She went on to tell her classmates to make sure they are happy and to work hard, have fun, and always stand tall. 

The graduating members of the Singing Silhouettes, under the direction of High School Music Teacher Joseph Paris, performed “Vienna” by Billy Joel. The arrangement featured a series of short duets allowing each member to shine. “But you know that when the truth is told, that you can get what you want or you can just get old,” sang the young musicians, with the dedication of those ready to work for their goals. 

Then, invoking the iconic lyrics of American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, Valedictorian Kendall Phillips said, “Everyone is unique. Everyone has their quirks. ‘Haters gonna hate’ but we have a wonderful support system back home.” 

“Being kind is so important,” said Phillips. “It’s such a simple thing, but a powerful thing. It can change the course of someone's day or even life.”

The diplomas were conferred by Board of Education President Debra List and the Class of 2023 tossed their mortarboards into the air. The collective congregation rallied around the graduates and, for that moment, blocked out the Mustn’t and the Don’t, the Impossibles and Won’ts. 

The graduates move on from high school knowing that they have weathered personal and global challenges and they are ready for what comes next. Haters gonna hate, but anything can happen. Anything can be.

Photos submitted by Gretchen Spittler

Press release:

The Byron Rescue Squad along with local fire departments will be holding a 9-1-1 Food Call on Friday, May 29^th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Byron Bergen High School Campus.

Food donated will be given to The Salvation Army in Batavia for distribution.

The items in demand are: helper meal kits (hamburger and tuna) canned fruit, crackers and cereal. Any nonperishable food items will be welcomed to help us answer this 9-1-1 Food Call.

If these hours do not fit your busy schedule, donations can be left at the Byron Fire Department across from the Post Office in Byron on Route 262.

Please have your donations bagged and be advised that no one needs to exit their car at this event.

Volunteers will accept your donation as you pass through the high school campus. Byron Bergen High school is located at the intersection of Route 262 and West Bergen Road in Bergen.

For questions or to volunteer to help at the drive-thru, Contact Brad Nickerson at (585) 330-3584 or by email at:   bnickerson@albionk12.org

Thanks for answering this 9-1-1 Food Call!