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rural schools association of New York State

BMS 6th grade students win statewide video contest

By Press Release

Press Release:

The Batavia City School District is proud to announce that Ms. Volpe’s 6th grade Reading Class has won First Place in the prestigious statewide video contest hosted by the Rural Schools Association of New York State. 

This impressive project involved 21 students and took about two weeks to complete, showcasing their creativity, technical skills, and dedication.

"We are immensely proud of Ms. Volpe and her 6th grade Reading Class for their incredible achievement. This accomplishment is a testament to the hard work, creativity, and collaboration of our students. They have truly captured the spirit of Batavia Middle School, showcasing the best of what our school and community have to offer. Congratulations to each student involved and to Ms. Volpe for her outstanding guidance and support throughout this project," said Batavia Middle School Principal Nathan Korzelius.

The theme for this year's contest was "The Miracles of Rural Education." The project began with a class discussion on the concept of miracles and brainstorming examples within their school, other schools, and the Batavia community. They then divided into groups, each responsible for planning a script, deciding on filming locations, and creating a filming schedule.

Throughout the project, students analyzed previous years' winning videos to gather insights on what made them successful. Using this research, they meticulously planned, filmed, and edited their own video. 

The collaborative effort included selecting transitions, incorporating images, and adding music, resulting in a polished and compelling video that highlights the unique aspects of Batavia Middle School.

David A. Little, Esq., Executive Director of the Rural Schools Association of New York State, praised the students' accomplishment, stating, “The contest is intended not only to support student creativity and technical skill, but to encourage pride in their school and their community. For Batavia to have won First Place in a statewide competition that includes large districts and BOCES with studio quality equipment is a testament to the quality of their instruction and the dedication of their students.”

The following students participated in the winning project:

  • Alexsandra Bernard
  • Lilyana Berner
  • Christopher Bombard
  • Nate Clarke
  • Gavin D'Amico
  • Harper Davis
  • Kristian Demers
  • Callum Fancher
  • Shae Finn
  • Malachi Harris
  • Arlo Hoisington
  • Sienna Kibler
  • Jace Maid
  • Jack McCarthy
  • Mason McEwen
  • Noah Morris
  • Elliyanna Murphy Smith
  • Cattaleya Rojo-Hallock
  • Gabriella Smith
  • Cole Woodward
  • Taryn Wright

Ranzenhofer recognized by statewide association as champion for rural schools

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo. David Little, left, president of the Rural Schools Association of New York State, presents the Appreciation Award to Sen. Michael Ranzenhofer during the 2016 RSA Conference in Cooperstown.

Press release:

The Rural Schools Association of New York State (RSA) has recognized Sen. Michael H. Ranzenhofer with an Appreciation Award for his advocacy and leadership on behalf of rural schools in Western New York and across New York State.
 
“The Rural Schools Association of New York State is proud to honor the efforts of Senator Ranzenhofer with our annual Appreciation Award," said RSA Executive Director David A. Little. "Senator Ranzenhofer’s tireless efforts to eliminate the harmful Gap Elimination Adjustment from school funding was of tremendous benefit to all schools. His recognition of the impact of unfunded mandates on school districts and his collaborative approach to working with those he represents serve as examples of the leadership needed to support our rural school districts."
 
Ranzenhofer was the first to organize a forum at Genesee Community College for rural school districts to express the negative impact of the Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA) budget cuts with then Senate Education Committee Chairman John Flanagan in November 2011. Earlier this year, Ranzenhofer successfully worked to eliminate the GEA once and for all.
 
“Fighting for our rural schools has been one of my legislative priorities, and it is such an honor to be recognized for my efforts,” Ranzenhofer said. “The GEA budget cuts were even more severe to the bottom lines of rural school districts. Ending the GEA is a major victory for students and parents, and I am proud to champion their cause.”
 
Genesee Valley Educational Partnership Board Member & RSA Zone Four Director Edward Engel nominated Ranzenhofer for the honor.
 
"Senator Ranzenhofer has been a steadfast supporter of our rural schools. He is a true legislative partner who listens and understands first, then collaborates to find solutions. For example, he helped to jump start a new Agri-Business program for high school seniors. In a data-driven world, agriculture education programs continue to deliver more significant value than any report or test can demonstrate in the lives of our students," said Engel.
 
Since 2013, Ranzenhofer has secured $100,000 in state funding annually to support the Agri-Business Academy at the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership. The one-year program helps high school seniors – from across school districts in Genesee County – explore careers in the agri-business industry.
 
About the Rural Schools Association of New York State (RSA)
The Rural Schools Association is a statewide, member driven organization dedicated to representing the interests of small and rural school districts in New York State. Approximately 300 school districts and BOCES units are currently enrolled as members of RSA. In addition to the financial support provided by RSA members, supplemental assistance is given by New York State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, in the form of office facilities, utilities, clerical assistance, and the use of equipment.
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