Byron Bergen Central School District

Press Release:

As the Byron-Bergen Central School year began, students returned to see several major renovations to the buildings and grounds. The upgrades were highlighted in a web video presentation from Superintendent Pat McGee at the end of August. What was not highlighted were the familiar faces behind the renovations and their continuing legacy for the Byron-Bergen Bees.

Several of the Capital Improvement Projects were carried out by Kircher Construction, owned and operated by Byron-Bergen Class of 2006 alum Jon Flannery. Along with his foreman, Class of 2020’s Alex Brumsted, Flannery’s team transformed the Sr. High School gymnasium into a state-of-the-art athletic facility. Very little of the previous gymnasium remains except for the center court floorboards, which were preserved and mounted proudly on the wall.

“This project was very important to us, so we spent a lot of time and attention on it,” said Flannery. 

The preexisting center court is meaningful to both Flannery and Brumsted who were varsity basketball players in high school. 

“I have been volunteering with the program since I graduated, so to be able to save that piece of history for Coach Rox (Noeth) and everyone in the basketball community is pretty cool,” said Brumsted.

Flannery and his wife are elementary basketball coaches for third through fifth-grade students. They hope that their own children will someday play in the renovated gym and see the center court their dad played on almost two decades ago.

“Our project manager Chris Haywood is also an alum, class of 2005, and his kids will get to use this gym,” said Flannery. “Throughout the course of construction, we had a dozen Byron-Bergen graduates working on site. It’s cool to have this crew at their alma mater. They really care about it.”

While the Capital Project provided major upgrades to both schools, the bus garage, and the athletic fields, Byron-Bergen alumni were also taking part in routine maintenance projects throughout the district. In August, four recent alumni helped reseal and repaint the Elementary School staff parking lot and bus loop. Class of 2022 alumni Chiara Grippo and Lexi Vurraro, Class of 2023 alum Grayson Erion, and Class of 2024 graduate Travis Shallenberger took on summer jobs or internships with Grippo Asphalt Maintenance. 

“We do this work at a bunch of schools, so it’s a little weird but special to work on the school that I used to attend,” said Shallenberger. “Whatever we do here is a benefit to the community because we’re maintaining the facilities for the younger generation. It’s like giving back to the community.”

In August, the Elementary School also received fresh concrete walkways to the main entrance poured by Pro Construction, family-owned and operated by Byron-Bergen alumni Curtis, Travis, and Hunter Taylor.

“We take pride in hiring local contractors when we can,” said Director of Facilities Roger Caldwell. “We see a lot of B-B alum come through and it’s great. They have a vested interest in the District and their dedication shows.”

“I think it gives people in the community peace of mind knowing that Byron-Bergen graduates are working on these projects,” said Brumsted. “They know us. They trust us with the school’s legacy.”

Outside of the gymnasium, the walls of the Jr./Sr. High School gleam with new subway tile. After a heroic summer push, the construction crew is bringing projects to completion. 

“This community really is unique in a lot of ways,” said McGee. “It’s great to see the capital improvements go from plans to reality, but it really is amazing to see the folks who have walked these halls as students return to preserve it and improve it for the next generation.”

Press Release:

Byron-Bergen Central School District (BBCSD) is pleased to announce that all student meals will be provided free of charge for the 2024-25 school year. Free meal funding is not tied to local school taxes.

The District qualifies for this United States Department of Agriculture program based on income statistics provided by district families in 2022. To continue free meals for future students at Byron-Bergen, all families in the district are asked to fill out the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) form available at this LINK.

“This is the second year that we have been able to provide free meals to all students and it’s essential that this program extend beyond this year,” said Byron-Bergen Superintendent Pat McGee. “I earnestly ask every family, regardless of income, to submit the Community Eligibility Provision form so we can continue to ensure our students’ nutritional needs are being supported.”

In addition to free meals, the CEP data may qualify families for benefits such as reduced rates on Advanced Placement exams, reduced college application fees, eligibility for national scholarships and grants, and Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer funds. District residents with questions about the Community Eligibility Provision should contact School Lunch Manager Mary Della Penna at 585-494-1220 ex. 1015 or mdellapenna@bbschools.org.

Press Release:

The New York State Public High School Athletic Association Inc. (NYSPHSAA) announced the 2023-2024 Schools of Distinction and Excellence. Byron-Bergen has earned the title of School of Excellence.  

The purpose of the School of Distinction and School of Excellence Awards are to unite athletic departments in challenging their teams to achieve a statewide academic honor. 

This year, 114 schools earned the School of Distinction Award and 226 schools earned the School of Excellence Award. Both of these numbers have increased since the 2022-2023 school year, which were 84 schools and 219 schools, respectively.

“I’m thrilled that our student-athletes again achieved the NYSPHSAA School of Excellence award,” said Byron-Bergen Athletic Director Rich Hannan. “These students are as dedicated in the classroom as they are on the field. It’s a tough balance. I’m incredibly proud.”

Schools can apply for School of Distinction status if 100% of their varsity teams qualify for and receive the Scholar-Athlete team award during their respective sports seasons. 

To apply for the School of Excellence Award, 75% of a school’s varsity teams must qualify and receive the Scholar-Athlete Team Award.  

“The efforts made by student-athletes in the classroom are paramount to their success in the athletic arena, and beyond their high school days,” said Dr. Robert Zayas, NYSPHSAA Executive Director. “We are proud of those who put in the work as ‘student’ and ‘athlete’, as well as the growth in both School of Excellence and Distinction
recognition.” 

Press Release:

The Byron-Bergen, Elba, and Oakfield-Alabama learning communities are teaming up to “stick it to type one diabetes”. All three districts have students and staff affected by Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) and are working together to make a big impact at the largest T1D event in the world.

On Sunday, May 19, the three communities will come together at Sea Breeze Park for the annual JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) One Walk. The global initiative raises millions of dollars for T1D treatments and cures but, for this team, it’s personal. 

“Oakfield-Alabama is proud to partner with our neighboring school districts and community members to support this cause,” said Oakfield-Alabama Superintendent John Fisgus. “So many people are affected by Type 1 Diabetes, and it is so important to raise awareness and join forces in these events.”

“I have two daughters, Sophia and Mckenna, with Type 1 Diabetes and I’m so grateful for the support from their Oakfield-Alabama school community,” said ‘Stick It’ team captain Mary Hughes, herself a staff member at Byron-Bergen. “I’m also amazed by how the Byron-Bergen community rallied to support me and my family when my second daughter was diagnosed last December.”

The same month that Hughes’ second daughter received her T1D diagnosis, Michael, a kindergarten student at Elba was also diagnosed. 

"The Elba community has been amazing during Michael's new diagnosis and has allowed his friends in school to learn about Type 1 Diabetes,” said Michael’s mother, Ashley Diehl. “Mary and I have been friends for years and now our children are in this together. We've joined forces to bring awareness to Type 1 Diabetes so others can look out for signs of diabetes in people who are undiagnosed and so our friends and family can help us work toward a cure.” 

“Elba Central School is pleased to participate in the walk to raise funds for JDRF,” said Elba Central School District Gretchen Rosales. “One of the cornerstones of Elba Central is to come together for our school family; when one of our Lancers is in need, we are all ready to help. Similarly, the Byron-Bergen and Oakfield-Alabama school districts operate with a shared mission - our school families support each other. I am pleased to join with Mr. McGee and Mr. Fisgus and the three-school community to fight for the collective future of all families in need. We are proud to be united in this effort.”

Each year the JDRF One Walk brings over 900,000 participants together worldwide, but team “Stick It” isn’t stopping there. Members of Team “Stick It” are heading to the Buffalo Marathon on May 26. Michael’s father, Jimmy Diehl, and Byron-Bergen Director of Instructional Services Betsy Brown will both run the half marathon. Oakfield-Alabama SRO Jordan Alejandro, Byron-Bergen SRO Josh Brabon, Byron-Bergen Athletics Secretary Mary Hughes, Byron-Bergen High School Counselor Kristie Holler, and Oakfield-Alabama Teacher Jen Prichett will run the full marathon to raise awareness for T1D.

“Byron-Bergen is all about taking action to support our community,” said Byron-Bergen Superintendent Pat McGee. “I’m proud to see the Bees hit the pavement with our friends and neighbors to raise awareness and support for our community members living with Type 1 Diabetes.”

“Our team’s goal is to educate our friends and family about Type 1 Diabetes and the research that is needed to find a cure for our kiddos and people everywhere,” said Hughes. 

For more information about these events or Team “Stick It”, visit the JDRF “Stick It” team page. 

Press Release:

On Saturday, Jan. 20, the Genesee Valley School Board Association (GVSBA) met for their annual breakfast hosted by the Byron-Bergen Central School District. 

The event included superintendents and representatives from districts throughout the GLOW region as well as Assemblywoman Marjorie Byrnes, Assemblyman Steve Hawley, and Gregg Torrey representing Senator George Borrello. The gathering served as an opportunity for the school administrators and school board members to discuss issues with their state representatives and
honor the 2024 recipients of the Excellence in Student Service awards.

“I was very pleased with the nominations as they came in this year and the wide range of programs,” said GVSBA Coordinator Pat Burk. “It shows that schools are thinking outside of the box to make what they do much more accessible as well as entertaining and really, really special.”

Twenty school districts and Genesee Valley BOCES received Excellence in Student Service awards. Byron-Bergen was honored for the district-wide therapy dog program which launched in 2021 through the efforts of district staff and retired Byron-Bergen teacher Jen Faro. The program began with one therapy dog, Pinot, owned by Faro, and has quickly expanded to include six dogs and additional visiting dogs from the Rochester-based not-for-profit, RocDogs.

Pinot, Maya, Dottie, Stew, Hula, and Daisy are valuable members of our team,” said Byron-Bergen Superintendent Pat McGee. “These therapy dogs are boots on the ground, in the district supporting student and staff mental health. I am extremely proud of this program and believe that they deserve this recognition.”

The award was presented by Burk and GVSBA and Byron-Bergen School Board President Deb List. The award was accepted by McGee, Director of Instructional Services Betsy Brown with her therapy dog Dottie, and Byron-Bergen High School Counselor Kristie Holler with her therapy dog Stew.

“The therapy dogs are here for all of our students as well as the staff,” said Brown. “There are students who specifically visit the office just to see Dottie and receive some love and attention. Research shows that interacting with therapy dogs reduces stress and anxiety and I’m thrilled that Dottie and I can be active participants in the program.”

The event also included a performance by the Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School Jazz Ensemble led HS Band Director Kevin Bleiler, breakfast catered by the Byron-Bergen Food Service Department, and discussion sessions in which school and elected officials discussed rural education.

Press Release:

The Genesee Valley School Boards Association (GVSBA) is pleased to announce the Excellence in Student Services Awards Recipients for 2024. The awards will be presented on Saturday, Jan. 20 at 9 a.m. at Byron-Bergen Central School. Award recipients are encouraged to attend. Please RSVP for this event to pburk@gvboces.org by Thursday at noon. School staff are also invited to attend this program.

Congratulations To:

• Alexander Central School Student Leadership Conference
• Attica Central School Elementary Steam Ahead
• Avon Central School Peer Mentoring & Buddies Program
• Batavia City School District Tilly Time – Therapy Dog Program
• Byron- Bergen Central School Therapy Dog Program
• Caledonia-Mumford Central School Outdoor Classroom
• Dansville Central School Entrepreneurship Program
• Genesee Valley BOCES TIG Program
• Geneseo Central School Varsity Blue Devil Bowling (With Mt. Morris Central School)
• Keshequa Central School History Adventure Room
• LeRoy Central School Community Service Project
• Letchworth Central School Transportation Department
• Livonia Central School Choices Program
• Mt. Morris Central School Varsity Blue Devil Bowling (With Geneseo Central School)
• Pavilion Central School Child Success Team at D. B. Bunce Elementary
• Pembroke Central School SHIELD Program
• Perry Central School Youth Mental Health First Aid
• Warsaw Central School FFA Program
• Wayland-Cohocton Central School Middle School Summer Enrichment Program
• York Central School Middle/High School STEAM Education

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:

The Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) held their National Championship shoot at Cardinal Shooting Center in Marengo, Ohio July 4 - 15. This year brought a record setting number of youth athletes with a combined total of over 4,000 competitors from all over the country!

New York was well represented and Kyle Smith a 9th grader at Byron Bergen CSD from Bergen, participated along with others on the A & B Clay Busters team from Rochester Brooks Gun Club. For his first time participating and competing at the SCTP National competition Kyle did very well, placing 3rd in both doubles trap with a score of 182 (out of 200) and singles trap with a score of 194 (out of 200).

SCTP exposes youth to all clay target disciplines including: sporting clays, skeet, trap as well as Olympic disciplines of bunker trap and international skeet. For more information on SCTP visit: www.mysctp.com.

Press Release:

On July 6, Byron-Bergen Secondary Science Teacher Pete Spence boarded the U.S. EPA Lake Guardian for a seven-day voyage to conduct research on Lake Ontario. Spence was one of 15 participating teachers taking part in the annual expedition which collected data in several locations looking at algae, zooplankton, and benthic organisms.

“I was interested in doing research on the Great Lakes, so I applied and was accepted,” said Spence. He requested and was assigned to the team examining differences in zooplankton populations from the east to the west end of the lake. “We also used acoustic (sonar) techniques to locate migratory shrimp species that stay on the bottom of the lake during the day and move toward the surface at night.”

Spence also assisted in research teams collecting blue-green algae levels at depths up to 40 meters and quagga mussel populations from 60 to 120 meters deep. The Lake Guardian docked in Youngstown and the participants toured the Niagara Falls gorge, an experience which many of the out-of-state teachers had never had. They then set out to collect a series of samples starting from the Welland Canal and crossing the lake to Toronto.

During one memorable experiment, the crew submerged Styrofoam cups in one of the deepest parts of Lake Ontario to observe how pressure impacts volume. The water pressure compressed them to approximately half of their original size. “I plan to have my students write their names on Styrofoam cups which I will send to the EPA for this experiment,” said Spence. “After they have been submerged in Lake Superior and returned to us, the students can measure the changes.”

Seven days after setting out on Lake Ontario, the crew disembarked at Port Rochester on July 12. “One of the things that I’m bringing back to Byron-Bergen is using the Great Lakes in my Environmental AP class,” said Spence. “The Great Lakes have always been of interest to me, being that we live so near them, I think it’s a great opportunity for students to see the bigger picture.”

Press Release:

Byron-Bergen Teacher Jay Wolcott received the 2023 Allan Davis Memorial Apple Award On Friday, May 5 at the Terry Hills Country Club. Award recipients are chosen by the Genesee County Business Education Alliance Board of Directors.

“Mr. Wolcott’s years of hard work and dedication to promoting technology and industry with students and involvement in the GV BOCES Tech Teacher Cohort Group and GLOW Tech Wars makes him the perfect recipient of this honor,” said Genesee County Business/Education Alliance Director Karyn Winters.

Wolcott has taught Technology at Byron-Bergen for 21 years. In addition to teaching technology, he is the Steppin' Up Club and Technology Club advisor.

“Jay is an incredible educator and role model for our students,” said Byron-Bergen Superintendent Pat McGee. “He is also a valuable mentor for other teachers, and it is my privilege to call him a friend and colleague. Congratulations, Jay.”

“I was very honored to be recognized for the work I do for my students and for fellow Technology teachers in the region,” said Wolcott. “I feel it is so important that students see the many opportunities for careers in our area. Karyn Winters at BEA is a great asset for any teacher to help gain access to local companies. Best of all, my wife, daughter, son, and grandson were present at the ceremony to hear the humble introduction speech by Karyn.”

Photo submitted by Gretchen Spittler

Press Release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) board of directors accepted a final resolution for GSPP Route 262, LLC’s 5-megawatt (MW) community solar project at its board meeting on Thursday. The project’s total capital investment is estimated at $13 million and will be located in the town of Byron.

Agreements negotiated for GSPP Route 262, LLC’s project PILOT would generate $4,000/MW (AC) + a 2% annual escalator of revenue to Genesee County, the Town of Byron, and Byron-Bergen Central School District. 

This project is estimated to generate a $627,303 increase in property-tax type revenues to host municipalities resulting in $5.14 in revenue for every $1 generated from the property’s current use.

GSPP Route 262, LLC requested a sales tax exemption of $1.056 million, a mortgage tax exemption of $70,993, and a property tax exemption of $778,344.

Press Release: 

Byron-Bergen Central School District proudly announces that on Tuesday, May 9, senior Kendall Phillips signed a letter of intent to attend SUNY Brockport as a member of its softball team. At SUNY Brockport, Phillips plans to study Childhood Inclusive Education. Her commitment to SUNY Brockport was witnessed by her parents and brother. 

Phillips is a six-year Varsity Softball player, a three-time Genesee Region All-Star, and was named 5th team Class C All-State. In 2022, she was entered into the NYSPHSAA and Section V record book for 20 strikeouts in one game. 

In the 2022 season, Phillips had a .583 batting average and pitched 84 innings with 159 strikeouts. She also did not give up a walk in the first 67 batters faced. So far in the 2023 season, she holds a .410 batting average and has pitched 61 innings with 124 strikeouts. 

“I am extremely happy for Kendall Phillips and her prospects for the future,” said Byron-Bergen Athletic Director Rich Hannan. “She is a fantastic example of what a student athlete should be. She is a great softball player and an even better person. She works extremely hard for her academic and athletic success. I know she will do great things at SUNY Brockport both in the classroom and on the softball field. We are all proud of Kendall and wish her the best of luck in the future!”

In addition to softball, Philipps is Student Council Senior Class President, a member of National Honor Society, Scholastic Bowl, Varsity Club, Yearbook Club, and is Steppin’ Up Club President. She volunteers at the Elementary School in kindergarten daily. She participates in soccer, basketball, and softball where she earned all-star status in basketball for 1 year and softball for 3 years. She has also been a captain of each sport for multiple years. The travel softball teams she participates on include Edge and Smash It Sports.

“I would like to thank my parents for always supporting me and pushing me to be my best as well as all of my coaches who have helped me become the player and person I am today,” said Phillips. “Without their encouragement and support, I couldn't have earned valedictorian honors and furthered my academic and athletic career at SUNY Brockport.”

Photo submitted by Gretchen Spittler.

Press release:

On Tuesday, Feb. 26, the fourth through sixth grades in the Byron-Bergen Central School District hosted special guests as part of their Black History Month celebration.

Olivia Kim, adjunct professor at the Rochester Institute of Technology, shared her experience with the Frederick Douglass sculpture project and “Discover Douglass” self-guided walking tour.

Kim sculpted the 6’7” monument of Douglass out of more than 200 pounds of clay to commemorate the 200-year anniversary of Douglass’ chosen birthday, Feb. 14, 1818. From her mold, 13 statues were completed and placed around Rochester.

The students learned about the complex process to create each of the statues as well as the significance Douglass holds in the Rochester community.

Community educator and choreographer Marcus Bowens shared the history and global influence of hip-hop. Hip-hop originated in New York City in the 1970s and has since spread around the world influencing diverse cultures. Bowens is a Master hip-hop dancer.

“Dance is a form of celebration and expression,” Bowens told the students. “Dance is contagious.

He then led the students in a celebration of hip-hop through a choreographed danced in which everyone participated.

Miriam Tardy, Siomara Caballero, and Hannah Catalino, all Byron-Bergen Senior High School students, introduced the students to the real life characters portrayed in the movie "Hidden Figures."

Their introduction included an overview of segregation and an interactive activity. Students and staff shared something that they were proud of and noted that "Hidden Figures" features real people who were not credited for the vital role they played at NASA until many decades later.

“Don’t let your accomplishments be hidden,” the three presenters concluded.

The day ended with a special screening of "Hidden Figures."

Photos and video courtesy of Gretchen Spittler, Byron-Bergen Communications specialist.

Press release:

The Byron-Bergen Central School District announces its participation in the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). Free meals will be provided to all children between the ages of 3 and 18 Monday through Friday, from July 10 through Aug. 11.

Byron Bergen Elementary School will be serving free breakfast from 8:15 to 9:15 a.m. and free lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.. The school is located at 6917 W. Bergen Road, Bergen.

Lunch only (not breakfast) will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at the Byron Town Park on McElver Road, Byron.

Call 585-494-1220, ext. 4234, if you have questions.