education

At a time when politics sometimes obscure the good work people do, Superintendent Anibal Soler "took stock" Monday night of all the things parents students, staff, administrators and school board members accomplished during the coronavirus pandemic.

As part of his regular superintendent's update, Soler ran through a list of positive things that have taken place in the district since the pandemic rolled into Genesee County 15 months ago.

"Sometimes we get lost in the current events, the news articles, this whole thing we can’t really control, people question our integrity, our commitment to kids because we may not be extreme about masks or anything of that nature," Soler said to open his remarks.

In no particular order, he said:

• Though the district didn't have to, schools reopened 10 weeks ago to full, in-class learning five days a week. "We could have taken the easy route," Soler said.
• The school board approved a budget with zero impact to taxpayers in "a very tough year."
• The district fed 150,000 meals to district families.
• The district installed 200 WiFi hotspots so students without internet access can study at home.
• "Parents were subject to constant, evolving guidance from the state and an ever-changing approach to learning from us," Soler said. "We know this hasn't been an easy year. They've stayed committed to us, committed to their kids, and their kids have been resilient. They rarely complain about any of the things we ask them to do." He added, "I want to thank our parents for always encouraging their kids to be resilient but I also want to thank our kids for stepping up and doing everything we asked like social distancing in the cafeteria, sitting at desks the whole time, you've got to walk with your mask on, one person at a time in the bathroom, a variety of things."
• The district provided at-home technology to pre-K students so students didn't need to bring technology back and forth from home to school.
• The district opened a brand-new playground at Jackson School "during a pandemic," he noted.
• Students in Special Education were coming to school campuses five days a week from the start of the pandemic.
• Plans are in place for a prom and graduation.

It hasn't been an easy year but the best barometer for how the district has performed, he said, is what the kids say.

"Most of them say we did a pretty good job with what we had to work with," Soler said.

"This is a very politically divided time," he added. "If we stay grounded on what we do for children we can never go wrong."

At the start of his update, Soler announced that two principals in the district have taken new jobs elsewhere.

Ashley John Grillo will be leaving Batavia Middle School to become principal of the Junior-Senior HS in Byron-Bergen.

Amanda Cook is leaving John Kennedy to become director of curriculum in Pavilion.

Nate Korzelius will become interim principal at BMS. Soler said Korzelius will work on integrating high-school-credit courses into the offerings at BMS and that the change will open more opportunities for those students who participate to start Genesee Community College studies while in high school.

Citing increased work and personal commitments, Peter Cecere has resigned his seat on the Batavia City School District Board of Trustees.

Board President Alice Ann Benedict read Cecere's resignation letter before the board voted unanimously to accept his resignation.

Cecere said he came to the decision after many hours of deep thought.

"These many years I have been involved have been very, very rewarding," Cecere said. "It seems like 2013 was just a few minutes ago. I have enjoyed serving the parents, teachers, and administrators of this vibrant community. But most importantly I have enjoyed being an advocate for the incredible children of this district."

Before the vote, Cecere thanked his fellow board members for their friendship during his time on the board and said increased work commitments along with his desire to spend more time coaching soccer contributed to his decision to resign.

He said he felt to remain on the board he needed to give it his full commitment and with these changes in his life, that was no longer possible.

Photo: Screen capture from video of last night's meeting. Superintendent Anibal Soler presented Cecere with a certificate and a framed collection of drawings of the district schools.

Submitted photo and press release:

Henry Schafer is a young man who sets a goal and is not afraid to work hard to achieve it. This senior from Notre Dame High School in Batavia is enrolled in the Electro-Mechanical Trades Program at the Batavia Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center.

Henry was recently awarded the Electrical Association of Western New York’s (WNY) School-to-Work Scholarship for $500. According to the Electrical Association of WNY, the money is to be used toward the cost of tools for individuals seeking a career in the electrical trade.

After graduation, Henry plans to attend Alfred State College of Technology to study Electrical Construction and Maintenance Electrician. His long-term goal is to, “Work as an electrician to take care of myself, my family, and keep a roof over our heads.”

Rich Monroe is the instructor of the Electro-Mechanical Trades Program at the Batavia CTE Center.

“Henry’s growth has been remarkable," Monroe said. "He came into this program as a very timid person. Last summer, he had a co-op job with Turnbull Heating and Air Conditioning where he was able to use the skills that he learned in this program. Henry has a tremendous work ethic.”

Henry is currently in a work co-op program with Bonduelle in Bergen where he is gaining valuable on-the-job experience. This worldwide food processing company has three locations in New York State. 

“I’m learning how to fix motors and ballasts," Henry said. "So much of what I learned in this program is helping me in this co-op."

This humble and shy young man has many accomplishments. He is a member of the National Honor Society at Notre Dame High School and also a member of the National Technical Honor Society at the Batavia CTE Center.  He has been a recipient of the Notre Dame High School Anima Christi Award, and is also a scholar athlete for both cross-country and swimming.

Henry was awarded the New York State Triple C Award, which recognizes the courage, character, and commitment of New York State’s outstanding students.

In Henry’s free time, he volunteers at St. Michael’s Church as an altar server and usher, and helps in his church’s Clothes Closet.  

The Electrical Association of Western New York established a School-to-Work Scholarship in 1998. All applicants are judged on academic achievement in school and personal characteristics by an independent panel of area school educators.

The Electro-Mechanical Trades Program is offered at the Batavia CTE Center, a Genesee Valley BOCES program. GV BOCES operates as a Board of Cooperative Educational Services offering shared programs and services to 22 component school districts located in Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston and Steuben counties in New York State.

Photo from left: Rich Monroe, instructor, Electro-Mechanical Trades Program; student Henry Schaefer; and Maggie Poray, Student Services coordinator, Batavia CTE Center.

Above, Jon Sanfratello, executive principal GV BOCES Batavia Campus, presents the First Place Charles Holowach Memorial Scholarship to Haylee Thornley (right), a Health Careers Academy student from Batavia CSD.

Submitted photos and press release:

The Batavia Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center is proud to announce the achievements of its seniors. They received recognition at an awards ceremont Thursday night.

The 20 award winners, their programs, home schools and scholarships received, are noted below.

James Burns -- Building Trades, Pavilion CSD, Livingston Associates Award

Travis Fagan -- Building Trades, Batavia CSD, Blakeslee Memorial Award

Zachary Friedhaber -- Electro-Mechanical Trades, Attica CSD, James P. Donnelly Award

Daniel Gersitz -- Metal Trades, Attica CSD, Charles Holowach Memorial Scholarship

Troy Helsdon -- Building Trades, Batavia CSD, Doug Dayton Memorial Award

Nicole Hume -- Metal Trades, Alexander CSD, Gene Haas Foundation Award, Master Manufacturing Scholarship, Student of the Year – Monday/Tuesday

Dontrell Jenkins -- Criminal Justice, Oakfield-Alabama CSD, Student of the Year – Thursday/Friday

Travis Kauffman -- Building Trades, Attica CSD, I. J. Radesi Memorial Award

Isaiah Merrell -- Culinary Arts, Batavia Academy/Byron-Bergen CSD, Chef Russell Bugbee Memorial Award, Josh Mouery Memorial Award

Chase Pangrazio -- Metal Trades, Batavia CSD, Batavia Rotary Scholarship

Emma Raines -- Health Careers Academy, Alexander CSD, School Related Personnel Award

Bryce Ratajczak -- Building Trades, Attica CSD, Paul Levins Memorial Award

Kaiel Robinson -- Electro-Mechanical Trades, Le Roy CSD, James P. Donnelly Award

Henry Schafer -- Electro-Mechanical Trades, Notre Dame High School/Batavia CSD, Roy H. Turnbull Memorial Award

Matthew Schroeder -- Electro-Mechanical Trades, Adult Student, Livingston Associates Award

Karly Smith -- Justice Academy, Oakfield-Alabama CSD, Charles Holowach Memorial Scholarship

Cole Sullivan -- Electro-Mechanical Trades, Le Roy CSD, Electro-Mechanical Trades Alumni Award

Haylee Thornley -- Health Careers Academy, Batavia CSD, Charles Holowach Memorial Scholarship

Timothy Walsh -- Building Trades, Batavia CSD, Pullinzi Family Scholarship

Justin Wight -- Building Trades, Oakfield-Alabama CSD, Batavia Rod & Gun Club Memorial Scholarship

Below, Chef Tracy Burgio (left) presents Isaiah Merrell with the Chef Russell Bugbee Memorial Award and Josh Mouery Memorial Award. He's a Culinary Arts student from Batavia Academy/Byron-Bergen CSD.

Below, Bethany Ricci (left), GV BOCES instructor, presents the Student of the Year Award -- Thursday and Friday to Dontrell Jenkins, a Criminal Justice student, Oakfield-Alabama CSD.

Below, Bethany Ricci (left), GV BOCES instructor, presents the Student of the Year Award -- Monday and Tuesday to Nicole Hume, a Metal Trades student from Alexander CSD. 

Press release:

A first-of-its-kind, free program is being offered at the Walmart in Batavia. It’s called Walmart Community Academy, and Walmart is offering no-cost classes (virtual, for now) to all community members age 16 or older on the following subjects:

• Personal finance
• Resume building
• Interview skills
• Standardized test prep
• Navigating college admissions

Notable highlights for future courses include:

• Taxes
• Entrepreneurship
• Civic engagement

Free enrollment is open right now. 

As background, Walmart has a network of 200 Training Academies nationwide, including one in the Walmart Supercenter in Batavia. In these, we’ve set up instructional environments with dedicated training staff to train Walmart associates on essential retail skills and lay a path for individual career growth.

Our long-term goal is to use these academies to also help our communities, and this marks an initial step.

Above, WNY Tech Academy Grads Thurs./Fri. (from left): Cameron Durfee, Trevor Pahl and Nathan Geise. 

Submitted photos and press release:

The Western New York (WNY) Tech Academy celebrated its seniors on June 1 and June 4 with a recognition ceremony.  

Eight of the nine students from six area school districts will continue their studies at Genesee Community College and one student has enlisted in the Marine Corp.

During the ceremony, Lindsay Warner, WNY Work-Based Learning coordinator and Business teacher, spoke about these students’ achievements, future plans, as well as, some of their advice to underclass mates.

Here's the list of 2021 seniors who completed WNY Tech Academy studies:

Brett Bogardus, Perry CS

Dante Brent, Attica CS

Everett Claud, Perry CS

Cameron Durfee, Attica CS

Nathan Geise, Warsaw CS

Holly Grisewood, Perry CS

Devon Heick, Byron-Bergen CS

Trevor Pahl, Pavilion CS

Carl Stachura (not pictured), Batavia CS

The WNY Tech Academy is a Pathways in Technology (P-TECH) Early College High School supporting students in grades 9-14. This school serves 13 regional school districts through a curriculum that places a strong emphasis on hands-on, project-based learning to prepare students for high-skill, financially stable careers in growth industries.  

Students attending the WNY Tech Academy complete all necessary coursework for a New York State Regents Diploma as well as earn an Associate of Applied Science degree through Genesee Community College at no cost.

The Genesee Community College (GCC) Accelerated College Enrollment Program (ACE) is a partnership between GCC and Western New York high schools to provide college courses to secondary students during the school day. These programs offer accelerated high school students the opportunity to enroll in college level courses and to earn college credits from GCC while still in high school. 

Below, WNY Tech Academy grads Mon/Tue (from left): Brett Bogardus, Holly Grisewood, Everett Claud, Devon Heick and Dante Brent. 

Batavia parents and students protest mask policy at Upton Monument.

On Sunday, at Resurrection Parish, Notre Dame High School held its 67th commencement exercises for the Class of 2021. 

Principal Wade Bianco and Assistant Principal Michael Rapone presented senior awards, academic honors, scholarships and diplomas. 

Valedictorian Amanda Mary Bergman addressed the 2021 class. Class President Bernard Skalny presented the senior class gift.

Anne Del Plato received an honorary diploma from the Class of 1971 honoring their 50th anniversary. Eric Ricks Jr. provided concluding remarks.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Principal Wade Bianco

Valedicatorian Amanda Mary Bergman

Class President Bernard Skalny

Assistant Principal and Athletic Director Michael Rapone

Anne Del Plato recieivng the honorary diploma Class of 1971.

Concluding remarks, Eric Ricks Jr. 

Unlike a year ago, when coronavirus-pandemic-related restrictions meant families showed up to football fields, school parking lots, and drive-in theaters in cars to witness student graduation, local school districts this year are trying to work within less strict COVID-19 guidelines to give students and families fairly traditional graduation ceremonies.

They will take place on school lawns, football fields and in auditoriums.

Some schools are even planning proms for their seniors.

Here is what the districts are planning:

Alexander:

• Prom: According to Superintendent Jared Taft, the students discussed their ability to hold a prom and abide by NYS Health Department guidelines and decided there was really no interest in planning a prom after considering having seniors and dates arrive at staggered times and dancing socially distanced with masks on.
• Graduation: "We are planning graduation to take place similar to that of a sports event following the current guidelines for gatherings," Taft said, noting that guidelines may change by the date of the graduation ceremony. 

Batavia:

• Prom: There will be a prom at Van Detta Stadium from 7 to 11 p.m., June 19. There will be a 40 X 100 tent for dining and a 20 X 40 tent for dancing. Students will attend in predetermined groups of 10. They will dine with that same group of 10 and enter the dancing tent in that group of 10. Outside of the tents, students can mingle with other guests.
• Graduation: The ceremony will be on June 26 at Van Detta Stadium at 10:30 a.m. Attendees will be required to either show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. There will be a rapid test available from 7 to 9 a.m. on the day of the ceremony. Graduates can invite five guests. The graduation will be livestreamed for those who cannot attend. In case of rain, the ceremony will be moved to 5 p.m. that day and if there is rain at 5 p.m., the ceremony will be moved to 10:30 a.m., Sunday.

Byron-Bergen:

• Prom and graduation: Patrick McGee, the high school principal who becomes superintendent on July 1, said the school is still in the process of planning. "When these events take place, we will ensure adherence to all health and safety guidelines set forth by the NYSDOH," he said.

Elba:

• Prom: Elba will hold its prom at the Park Place Event Center at Batavia Downs. "They were wonderful to work with and wanted to collaborate with us to support our students with this special event," said Superintendent Ned Dale. "We will follow their prescribed guidance. Our staff will be on hand to supervise. Originally, we were planning on having the event on campus and outdoors until the recent changes in guidance that expanded the capacity indoors. We will follow the guidance at the time of this event."
• Graduation: Elba will hold its graduation at 7 p.m., June 25 on the high school campus law. "We have plenty of room to spread out on the campus lawn," Dale said. "As of today, we will ask that everyone is masked. However, I don't know where NYS DOH will be in six weeks with more guidance after hearing the CDC changes today about masks and vaccinated individuals. We will follow the guidance at the time of this event."

Le Roy:

• Prom: Le Roy is planning a junior/senior prom for June 5 from 6 to 11 p.m. at the Le Royan at Mercy Grove.
• Graduation: Outside at Hartwood Park at 11 a.m., June 26. Rain times will be later in the day, June 26, or, if necessary, at 11 a.m., June 27.

Notre Dame:

• Prom: We didn't receive any information on plans for a prom.
• Graduation: Graduation along with a mass will be held at 2 p.m., June 6, at Resurrection Church. The school has created a seating chart for families attending the graduation. Each grad will be allowed to invite six guests. Guests who do not live with the graduate will sit in rows designated "guest seating." Graduates must turn in a guest list to assist in checking in attendees. Attendees must wear a mask until seated. Vaccinated attendees can remove their masks once seated.

Oakfield-Alabama:

• Prom: The prom will be held on June 5 at the Arrowhead Golf Club at the Timberlodge facility. Superintendent John Fisgus said: "Timberlodge has to follow the state guidelines for events, which is not to exceed 250-person capacity for an indoor event (with no testing) or if they do, everyone needs a negative COVID test (72 hours before) or proof of vaccination (two weeks from last shot). We will NOT exceed the 250-person capacity for our prom, so our students are good to go over there with no testing or proof of vaccination. Table assignments have already been created, and we will abide by what Timberlodge directs us to do (i.e., masking, cohorts dancing in certain areas, etc.)."
• Graduation: O-A's graduation will be at 10 a.m., June 19, in the football stadium. Fisgus said, "For outdoor events, we will not exceed the 500-person capacity; therefore, our graduates and guests attending will not need to provide a negative COVID test or show proof of vaccination. Each graduate can invite eight guests (60 seniors graduating), and since we will have the seniors in a different location than the guests (bleachers vs. football field/track area), they are not considered part of the 500 capacity (per the guidance from May 3). We will socially distance each family on the field/track and have our usual ceremony, with fireworks!"

Pavilion:

• Prom: There will be no school-sponsored prom; however, parents and students are planning a private event.
• Graduation: The plans are being finalized. Superintendent Mary Kate Hoffman said, "The plan is to have an outdoor ceremony on our soccer field/track. We are considering running two identical ceremonies where half of the families would attend one or the other. This would allow each graduating senior to have more family members in attendance. We have a graduation committee working on decorations and special additions to the program to make this a memorable event."

Pembroke:

Superintendent Matthew Calderon said, "The state provided specific guidance for proms and graduations, which we will be adhering to. In both cases, we will stay under the capacity limits identified so that we do not need to require testing. The standard expectations for mask-wearing and social distancing we be in place.

Adding, "Both events will be relatively normal/traditional, with the exception of the fact that we need to reduce the numbers of tickets as compared to normal to stay under the capacity limits."

• Prom: Calderon -- "Our prom took place this past Saturday, and my understanding is that everyone had a great time. Initially, the organizers were planning to sell a limited number of tickets to stay under the 100-indoor capacity limit, but when the indoor capacity increased to 250, every junior and senior that wanted to go was going to be able. By sheer happenstance, it turned out that there were 93 students and seven adult chaperones that attended. Exactly 100 anyway, so we would have ended up OK either way. We are so thankful to have been open for in-person learning every day five-days-a-week, and the prom was the cherry on top for our seniors!"
• Graduation: The graduation will be held in the school's auditorium.

Alexander

• Budget, passed 248-161
• Proposition #2, bus purchases, passed 289-118
• Proposition #3, reserve fund, passed 292-117
• Proposition #4, reserve fund, passed 280-125
• Proposition #5, school bus reserve fund, 278-126
• Board election: One five-year term, Lindsay Bessey, 305; Josselyn Borowiec, 91.

Batavia

• Budget, passed 490-104
• Energy performance contract, passed 480-115
• Student ex-officio, non-voting board member, passed 558-38
• School board, vote for three: John Reigle, 471; Brenda Good, 448, Jennifer Lendvay, 461; Shawna Murphy, 284.

Byron-Bergen

• Budget, passed 242-69
• Proposition #2, bus purchase, passed 240-145
• School board election: William Forsyth, 291; Debra List, 261.

Elba

• Budget, passed 105-27
• Proposition #2, capital reserve fund, passed 103-29
• Proposition #3, bus purchase, passed 108-24
• Board election, elect one: Michael Hare, 118.

Le Roy

• Budget, passed 396-124
• Proposition #2, bus and vehicle purchase, passed 122-93
• Proposition #3, library budget, passed 425-93
• School board election, vote for three: Lucas Weaver, 391; William Mackenzie, 390; Christine Dowell, 305; Darcy Porter, 197.
• Library trustee election: Mary Young-Murray, 482.

Oakfield-Alabama

• Budget, passed 282-58
• Proposition #2, reserve fund, passed 271-61
• School board election, vote for two: Maria Thompson, 249; Jeff Hyde, 146; Lorna Klotzbach, 140; Timothy Edgeton, 104.

Pavilion

• Budget, passed 169-23
• School board election, Jeff Finch, 149.

Pembroke

• Budget, passed 236-76
• Proposition #2, bus purchases, passed 238-73
• Proposition #3, capital project, passed 238-73
• School board election, one vacancy, no candidates. Dan Lang received 25 write-in votes but is declining the seat. The Board of Trustees will appoint a person to fill the vacancy until the next election.
• Corfu Public Library, Jason Long and Patrick Weissend were elected.

Voters from throughout Genesee County are asked to go to the polls on Tuesday and vote on school district budgets and school board candidates.

Here is a summary of what is on the ballot and links for additional information for each district.

Alexander

• Budget: $19,175,475 for 2021-22, an increase of $635,217 from this school year.
• The program budget is $14,015,382 and the administration budget is $2,757,315.
• Tax levy: $5,088,006 (no change from 2020-21).
• Propositions on the ballot also include bus purchases at a cost of $318,085; the purchase of computers for $96,870 using the existing 2018 equipment reserve fund; establishing a capital reserve fund; and, establishing a school bus reserve fund. 
• There are two candidates for the school board, Josselyn Borowiec and Lindsay Bessey.
• There is more information about the budget and the election in the district's budget newsletter. Click here for the PDF.

Batavia

• Budget: $52,096,661, an increase of $625,935 over the current year.
• Tax levy: $19,493,958 (no change).
• The program budget is $39,021798 and the administration budget is $5,186,493. (Figures corrected from original post.)
• Ballot propositions include additional state aid for an energy performance contract and renewal of the provision that allows the student ex-officio board member to attend board meetings in a non-voting role.
• There are three board seats up for election and four candidates. They are: John Reigle, Brenda Good, Jennifer Lendvay, and Shawna Murphy.
• There is more information in the district's budget newsletter. Click here.

Byron-Bergen

• Budget: $24,991,065, an increase of $391,265 from this school year.
• The program budget is $17,260,368 and the administrative budget is $2,318,402.
• Tax levy: $9,024,961 (no change from 2020-21).
• There is a school bus proposition on the ballot.
• More information the district's budget is on the district website.

Elba

• Budget: $10,942,533, an increase of $673,211 over the current year.
• The program budget is $7,926,431 and the administration budget is $1,253,898.
• Tax levy: $3,204,487, up $61,292 from the current levy. The estimated tax rate per thousand is $19.8104. The current rate per thousand is $20.4016.
• Propositions include establishing a general capital reserve fund and expend up to $112,000 from the existing bus and vehicle replacement fund for a bus and a van.
• Michael Hare is the lone candidate on the ballot. 
• There is more information in the district's budget newsletter. Click here.

 Le Roy

• Budget: $26,869,288, an increase of $534,800 over the current year.
• The program budget is $13,602,008 and the administration budget is 4,072,951. 
• Tax levy: $10,597,025, an of $130,924 over the current year. The estimated is $23.11.
• Propositions include one on school bus purchases and the Woodward Library budget.
• There are three trustee seats up for election and four candidates, Darcy Porter, Christine Dowell, William MacKenzie, and Lucas Weaver. 
• There is more information in the district's budget newsletter. Click here.

Oakfield-Alabama

• Budget: $21,356,442, an increase of $232,696 in the current year.
• The program budget is : $14,824,207 and the administration budget is $2,361,695 (down $53,868 from the current year).
• Tax levy: $5,416,941, an increase of $103,105.
• Propositions on the ballot include establishing a new capital reserve fund.
• There are two seats on the board of trustees up for election and four candidates, Timothy Edgerton, Jeffrey Hyde, Lorna Klotzbach, and Maria Thompson. 
• There is more information in the district's budget newsletter. Click here.

Pavilion

• Budget: $17,576,661, a decrease in spending from the current year of $107,521.
• The program budget is $13,327,296 and the administration budget is $2,302,963.
• Tax levy: $5,642,520, a decrease of $27,361.
• Propositions include creating a school district public library and electing a library board of trustees.
• There is one open seat and one candidate for that seat, Jeff Finch.
• There is more information in the district's budget newsletter. Click here.

Pembroke

• Budget: $24,599,082, an increase of $919,560 over the current year.
• The program budget is $17,451,901. The administration budget is $2,519,239.
• Tax levy: $8,481,399, an increase of $165,046 over the current year. The projected tax rate is $19.40.
• Propositions on the ballot include authorization to purchase school buses and a capital project.
• There is more information in the district's budget newsletter. Click here.

For the first time today, students at Jackson School got to play on their new playground, after a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

There will likely be a traditional graduation ceremony for the seniors of Batavia High School but it will comply with the state's COVID-19 guidelines, according to Superintendent Anibal Soler.

The plans for the ceremony are in development in cooperation with students and families, Soler said.

The June 26 ceremony will be held at Van Detta Stadium and each graduate will be allowed four guests. Because of state guidelines for events attended by more than 200 people, attendees will be required to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test.

Students and families that opt out of the requirements will be able to participate in what Soler called a "micro-ceremony."  

"Every student will get their moment of getting their diploma," Soler told the school board on Monday evening.

Plans are also being finalized for a senior prom with attendance limited to less than 200 people and held outdoors. Under state guidelines, that event won't require proof of vaccination or a negative test.

Mayers has been a school counselor for 16 years and worked at BMS for eight years.  

Currently, her focus is on school attendance, academic achievement, and providing social-emotional skills to students.

She was instrumental, according to information released by the school district, in implementing a daily social-emotional learning program for middle school students. Students are given daily SEL prompts that officials say have been beneficial during the coronavirus pandemic.

She is a certified trauma illness and grief responder.

Sixth Ward Councilwoman Rose Mary Christian spoke up Monday at the city schools board of trustees meeting on behalf, she said, of her constituents, decrying the high cost of education in an age of tighter household budgets.

"I really don't have any solution," Christian said near the end of her remarks. "I'm asking you to seriously think about the people who live in this community and are having a hard time right now."

She noted that assessments have gone up throughout the city and that is putting more of a squeeze on some households.

She asked if the board considered reducing salaries for teachers and other staff members.

"Everything is escalating and it's hurting everyone, even you," she said.

She also asked that Sacred Heart once again be used as a polling station in school district elections.

On May 8, voters will chose among four candidates for three positions on the school board and whether to approve a $661 spending plan for the district for 2021-22, an increase of $625,935 from the current year.

The proposed tax levy (the aggregated of all property taxes collected in the school tax) is $19,493,958, exactly as it is in the current year.  

State and federal aid covers most of the rest of the district's spending.

Photo: Still from video of Monday's meeting.

As part of its ongoing 70th Anniversary Celebration, Notre Dame High School today commemorated the laying of the school's cornerstone with a reenactment by Principal Wade Bianco.

The school opened in 1951 as one of 18 high schools in the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo. Today, Notre Dame is one of eight remaining Catholic high schools in the region.

Photo: Deacon Walt Szczesny, Kate Edwards (Director of Advancement), senior Ben Skalney ‘21, Mike Rapone (Vice Principal and AD), Joe Teresi (Board President), Kristen Gomez (Director of Academic Advisement), Wade Bianco (Principal), Tom Rapone (Business Manager), John Dwyer, Jennifer Tomm Petosa ‘82, Jim Fix ‘69 

Maria Prattico lays a wreath on the head of Mary during morning Mass at Notre Dame in an annual tradition, the crowning of Mary, at the school. Deacon Walter Szczesny looks on.

Press release:

It is no secret that the heroes of this past year are those in the healthcare industry, on the front lines, holding our loved ones hands and working hard to take care of those who were and still are, sick.

However, what most don't know, is that there are ways to launch careers in the healthcare industry that don't take years to complete, and perhaps just as importantly, don't rack up the student loan debit that a traditional four-year degree program could.

Last month, the BEST (Business Employee Skills Training) Center at Genesee Community College officially opened registration for its newest program, the Certified Nursing Assistant training program to fast-track eligible individuals into the rewarding and high-stakes healthcare industry.

With minimal eligibility requirements which are listed online at www.bestcenter.org, this 132-hour New York State of Education Certification program teaches basic nursing and personal care skills, Mental Health and Social Service Needs, the Care of Cognitively Impaired Residents, the Basic Restorative Services and Residence Rights and more!

Program students also spend time gaining priceless real-life, hands-on experience during clinical rotations at in-patient, local facilities in both Le Roy and Medina.

Interested individuals are encouraged to contact Dr. John McGowan, director of the BEST Center today at jmmcgowan@genesee.edu or by calling (585) 345-6868 as this program starts on July 6.

Week 1 Classes will be held from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 6, Wednesday, July 7 and Friday, July 8. Weeks 2 thru 5 classes will be held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays beginning July 12 and continuing through Aug. 13.

Some students may be eligible to receive funding for this program through the Genesee County Job Development Bureau. To find out more, contact Teresa VonSon at (585) 344-2024, ext.4223, or at Teresa.VonSon@co.genesee.ny.us

Wearing masks all day while at school is a drag for kids, and some parents in Pavilion brought their concerns to this week's meeting of the Pavilion Central School District Board of Trustees.

Amanda Holley started an online petition that, at the time of the meeting, had been signed by 183 people (it's now at 200) stating that with Pavilion maintaining a six-feet social distancing rule, all-day masking shouldn't be necessary.

The all-day masking rule is in compliance with recently implemented guidance from the NYS Department of Health. The guidance doesn't draw a distinction from schools maintaining six-feet social distancing and three-feet social distancing.

Superintendent Mary Kate Hoffman said area superintendents all share the same concern, they've discussed it in meetings and have raised the issue with the local health department, but the word back from local health officials is that the state is showing little interest in addressing the issue.

 Hoffman suggested that parents concerned about the issue might do better to contact state leaders.

"I would love to see 183 letters go out to our local senators, our representatives, to share those points of view because you're not alone," Hoffman said. "All of the districts in New York State are feeling the same."

The first speaker, of two, at Tuesday's meeting (whose name wasn't clear on the recording), said on that day her eighth-grader had been required to wear a mask for 10-straight hours, including his time on a bus, except for a lunch break.

"That seems like a long time," she said. "These kids are getting no break."

Holley said she was representing parents who shared a similar concern and questioned why the all-day mask mandate was necessary. She noted that Pavilion has been doing a great job of protecting the kids during the coronavirus pandemic.

"I can't speak for everyone's kids but my kids have been the healthiest -- they haven't been sick, not a sniffle, not a cough," she said.  "I attribute that to Pavilion School. I think the school has done an amazing job. I don't see why we have to fix something that isn't broken."

One trustee, who can't be identified from the recording, sympathized with the parents but said there isn't anything the district can do on its own to change the policy.

"We all wish we could do something," she said. "We have to obey the rules or we face financial penalties or a financial punishment, plus we don't want anybody to get stick. We've been super lucky to keep our school open."

Another trustee noted that the teachers don't like the mask policy, either. It's hard to talk all day in a mask. It's hard to hear students.

Another speaker mentioned that teachers have the discretion to allow mask breaks but many teachers are not providing for mask breaks.

Hoffman said more mask breaks would be encouraged.

"It's pretty easy for us to say for teachers to offer a mask break each period," she said.

Press release:

The Alexander Central School District’s Board of Education has selected Jared ("Jake") D. Taft as the district’s next Superintendent of Schools. He expected to begin pending successful contract negotiations.

“Coming to Alexander Central as the Elementary Principal and then interim Superintendent has a great deal of nostalgia for me," Taft said. "This school district feels like home. Our school colors are the same as my childhood elementary school where my mom was also a teacher. My first childhood school experiences were in a school nearly identical to Alexander Elementary School.

“I am profoundly grateful, honored, and excited to serve as Alexander’s next Superintendent of Schools. I’m confident that we can tackle the important work ahead of us as we continue to navigate the new normal stemming from the pandemic. But I am sure Alexander has all of the sweat equity, grace and toughness to be successful, strong and even better than before."

“The Board of Education would like to thank the other finalists for their interest shown in this position," said Brian Paris, Alexander Central School District’s Board President. "This was an extremely difficult decision as all of the candidates are highly qualified individuals.

"We truly value the input received from the various stakeholders who met with the candidates to help us make a final decision. The board is confident that Jake Taft will lead our district through the issues we face in our region. With his leadership, we will work together to continue to deliver the best education possible for our students.” 

Taft currently serves as the interim superintendent of Alexander Central Schools, a role he has held since September 2020. Previously, from 2019-2020, he served as principal of Alexander Elementary School.

Taft began his career in education in 2000 as a teacher at Roy H. Mann Intermediate School in Brooklyn. He has served in principal roles at the Royalton-Hartland, Lackawanna, and Lewiston-Porter Central School Districts.

In each of these districts, he focused on developing positive, collaborative, and productive relationships to cultivate a culture of teaching, learning and caring for all.

Some of his 20-year career highlights include: evaluating and implementing the annual School Improvement Plan at Royalton-Hartland Middle School; supervising and coordinating the P-Tech Grant Program at Lackawanna High School; and providing instructional leadership to Professional Learning Communities to advance student learning at Lewiston-Porter High School. In 2015, Taft was awarded the Trocaire College Reflections Award for P-Tech. 

Taft earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice, and a Master of Science in Elementary Education from Niagara University. He also earned a Master of Science in School Administration and Supervision from Touro College. He is completing coursework for his Doctorate of Education.

He holds New York State permanent certifications in Elementary Education, and Special Education, and as a School District Administrator and Supervisor.

Kevin MacDonald, District Superintendent of the Genesee Valley BOCES, acted as the search consultant and noted that the search process was a true collaboration between the Board of Education and stakeholders.*

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*Clarification statement by Kevin MacDonald stating that stakeholders were not involved in the superintendent search interview process.

Submitted photos and press release:

Booker T. Washington once said, “If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else." This saying rings true when describing a project that Metal Trades and Collision, Custom and Restoration programs at the Batavia Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center recently completed to benefit a student.

Geordan Mitchell, a junior from Caledonia-Mumford High School, is a student in the Metal Trades Program at the Batavia CTE Center. Geordan is disabled and in a wheelchair.

Both Andrew Geyer and Rodney Staats, the Metal Trades instructors at the Batavia CTE Center, worked to develop modified lessons for Geordan, but they still wanted to develop a way that Geordan could work with all the machines in the Metal Trades shop.

They met with Maggie Poray, the Student Services coordinator at the Batavia CTE Center, to brainstorm ideas. She asked the instructors if there was a way to construct something so Geordan could reach the equipment in a manner that was easier for him.

“The instructors and I met and discussed many different ideas on how we could give Geordan more access to all the equipment in both the Welding and Precision Machining shops," Poray said. "We knew that we had to be creative in how and what was developed, and most importantly, whatever was developed had to be safe."

Geyer and Staats reached out to Jeff Fronk and Ryan Ditacchio, the Collision, Custom and Restoration (CCR) Program instructor and teacher aide, respectively, and asked for their assistance. 

That evening, Ditacchio was searching (online) for equipment for his personal use and came across a cart that had a lift. Ditacchio thought this might work if it could be modified for Geordan’s use.

“I showed the (online) posting to Jeff, Andrew and Rodney," Ditacchio said. "We agreed that this could be a possibility but we knew that we weren’t sure how we could make this purchase. I reached out to the owner, explained the story and he gladly donated the cart."

Ditacchio picked up the cart from this donor, who asked to remain anonymous, and brought it back to the Batavia CTE Center.

Then the work began. 

“We had to figure out a way to make it moveable so we could make it tall enough for Geordan and also move it from machine to machine," Geyer said. "I contacted our Operations and Maintenance foreman and he gave us four caster wheels. A new wooden platform was added, the welding students joined the wheels, made a few brackets, cleaned it up, and then we sent it over to the CCR shop for a custom painting."

The cart has a ramp so Geordan can push himself onto the platform, which rises up and down. The cart moves easily for access to machines throughout the shop, and it also has a work table for Geordan to place tools. 

“When I first saw the cart, I was shocked. I was excited because now I can finally easily touch the buttons on the machines,” Geordan said with a big smile on his face.

“Last September, we constructed a table so Geordan could learn and practice his welding skills," Poray said. "This cart will now allow Geordan access to all the machines in the Metal Trades shops,” Geyer said. “We want to give Geordan the best experience possible and this new mobile lift is the perfect solution."

Geordan recently completed a project, a set of metal dice.

“Now, I’m working on a step shaft,” Geordan said.

“This is a practice project that helps the students understand how to use a lathe and helps students practice their skills,” Staats said.

This new cart has given Geordan new opportunities, which has renewed his enthusiasm. 

“I’m definitely happier to come to school,” Geordan said.

“He’s more independent and more self-sufficient, and we see the difference,” Staats said. 

Both Staats and Geyer agree that Geordan always gives 100-percent effort in both the Welding and Precision Machining programs.

“He has a great attitude toward everything,” Geyer said, to which Staats nodded in agreement. 

Fronk emphasized the importance of building relationships with students to understand their needs and the need to be creative when developing solutions to assist students.

“We would do this for any student who needed assistance,” Fronk said. “We would love to be a resource for anyone who might need something like this. We also will be adding more features to the cart to make learning even easier for Geordan.” 

Geordan has set many goals for himself.

“I plan to get a job and work as a welder,” he said. 

There is no doubt that this determined young man will achieve his goals.

Top photo: Geordan Mitchell works at a machine in the Metal Trades shop while in a specially designed cart crafted for him.

Below, back row from left: Ryan Ditacchio and Jeff Fronk, Collision, Custom and Restoration Program teacher aide and instructor, respectively; Andrew Geyer, Welding instructor and Rodney Staats, Precision Machining instructor. Front row, Geordan Mitchell.