BCSD Heritage - Binghamton City School District

BCSD Heritage
Providing a rich environment for quality learning
Food programs
at BCSD
elementary
schools set
healthy record
Five elementary schools
in the Binghamton City
School District were
recently awarded the
“Gold with Distinction”
HealthierUS Challenge
Award given by the US
Department of Agriculture.
Benjamin Franklin, Calvin
Coolidge, Horace Mann,
Theodore Roosevelt, and
Woodrow Wilson elementary schools all received
the award.
The USDA will be sending
five plaques and banners
for the buildings and a
check to the district for
$10,000. The Gold with
Distinction title is the
highest award in the
HUSSC program.
“The HUSSC is a recognition award for schools
that have demonstrated a
commitment to excellence in both nutrition
and physical education
to promote a healthier
school environment for
children,” said USDA program specialist Pamela
Griffin.
With these awards,
Binghamton City School
District now holds the
record for the most buildings with the HUSSC Gold
with Distinction title in
the Northeast, and thirdmost on the East Coast.
July 2013
Bideaux, Donlin lead BHS Class of 2013
Proud of our Cornell-bound Patriots
The Binghamton City
School District is pleased
to announce that Abbie
Bideaux is the valedictorian of the Binghamton
High School Class of
2013.
The daughter of Lisa and
Jeff Bideaux, Abbie plans
to attend Cornell University in the fall to
study biology.
Abbie Bideaux,
BHS Valedictorian
Abbie’s parting advice to younger students: “Be the person you want to be and make
good decisions that will set you up for future
success. Challenge yourself with the most
rigorous courses that BHS has to offer;
your hard work will pay off. Appreciate the
teachers and faculty at BHS – they are great
resources and you can learn a lot from them.”
The Binghamton City
School District is pleased
to announce that Ariel
Donlin is the salutatorian
of the Class of 2013.
The daughter of Timothy
and Jennifer Donlin, Ariel
Ariel Donlin,
plans to attend Cornell
BHS Salutatorian
University in the fall to
study astrophysics.
Ariel’s parting advice to younger students:
“Always keep an open mind and be flexible
in your way of thinking; do not allow the arrival of new information to completely alter
your views, but be able to consider all aspects
of a situation and use this information to
reshape your views in conjunction with what
you already know.”
BCSD honors distinguished alumni
Pictured (l-r):
Gregory Lesko,
Anthony Caletka,
Rita Connerton,
Marissa Crabb (husband
Alan honored
posthumously),
Bridgette Janeczko.
Not pictured:
Joyce Gilroy
The students of Binghamton High School hosted the Binghamton City School District’s
Distinguished Graduates Dinner at Binghamton High School on Thursday March 28.
See page 2 for a list of this year's honorees.
District
From the superintendent
Dear BCSD community,
How quickly time passes. In the six months I have
been superintendent, I have been impressed with the
many wonderful ways the Binghamton City Schools
support students and families. I have enjoyed visiting
schools, attending concerts and recognition ceremonies, and getting acquainted with the community.
I want to express my appreciation to the community
for supporting the MacArthur School project (that required a super majority) with a 79 percent vote of approval. Students at St. Francis and St. Thomas enjoyed
Dr. Marion H. Martinez
coming together on the MacArthur fields to celebrate
the vote and the time when they will be together again.
Since the approval, no time has been wasted. Numerous meetings have been held
with architects and engineers to finalize design plans. Very shortly, construction
documents will be sent to the State Education Department for approval. A tentative
schedule has been developed for abatement and demolition, which is expected to
be in late September or early October. Ongoing updates will be available through
the district website, at community meetings, and at each Board of Education meeting. Construction is still on track to begin January 2014. Hope for a mild winter.
Approval of the 2013-14 budget was bittersweet. Although it was approved by
a 70 percent margin, layoffs were necessary to close a $5.3 million deficit. We
are hoping for some relief in state Foundation Aid; the district has lost over $20
million since 2008. In addition, the district has instituted a number of cost-savings
measures that should have a positive effect on the 2014-15 budget. We continue
to strongly support the Small Cities lawsuit, which may bring increased equity in
school funding. The lawsuit is moving quickly with a trial date set for late summer/early fall.
Graduation 2013 was held in the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena on
Sunday, June 21, to the delight of students, parents, friends, and the community.
A contingent of bagpipers and drummers led the graduates into the arena as our
orchestra band played “Pomp and Circumstance.” Our students received many
compliments from management for their decorum during the dignified ceremony.
The number of diplomas totaled 346. Our graduates were accepted at 114 different
colleges and universities. A record number six students were accepted at Cornell;
22 students received International Baccalaureate diplomas; 112 students were
Honor graduates; 231 were recognized at Senior Awards Night; seven students
have answered their country’s call and are entering the military; 21 students were
Project Lead the Way students who are receiving college credit from Rochester
Institute of Technology. Very impressive!
The Board of Education approved new goals that will become the foundation for
the development of the district’s strategic plan for grades K-12. More information
will become available in August. Please check the district website:
www.binghamtonschools.org.
Again, thank you for your ongoing support. Please do not hesitate to introduce
yourself when you see me. I always look forward to meeting members of the community, as I am interested in your ideas and perspectives.
Sincerely,
Marion H. Martinez, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
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Distinguished alumni - from page 1
Anthony F. Caletka - BHS 1986
Civil Engineer, Author, Mega-Projects Expert
Pricewaterhouse Coopers Capital Projects and
Infrastructure
The Honorable Rita Connerton – BCHS 1975
Broome County Family Court Judge,
Supervising Family Court Judge Sixth Judicial
District
Alan Crabb (posthumously) – BCHS 1960
Music Educator, Vocalist (Tenor), Founder and
Director the Binghamton Downtown Singers
Joyce Gilroy – BCHS 1950
Flight Control, Trans World Airlines (retired)
Community Advocate
Bridgette Hobart Janeczko – BNHS 1980
President, Paradigm Technology Consulting
Marathon Swimmer
Gregory Lesko, J.D. – BNHS 1981
CEO of Lesko Financial Services, Inc.
The students of Binghamton High School hosted the
Binghamton City School District’s Distinguished
Graduates Dinner at Binghamton High School on
Thursday March 28.
District
Patriot track and field team walks in support of MDA
For the second straight year, members of the BHS track and field team participated in the Muscular Dystrophy Association Muscle Walk at the Broome County Veterans’ Memorial Arena. The event, held on Saturday, March 23,
raised money to help area residents afflicted with muscular dystrophy, ALS and related muscle diseases. Under the direction of Coach Melinda Ligeikis, the track squad was divided into seven teams competing to see which could raise
the most money. This year’s winning team, captained by Kristen Neary, and including Alexis Daniels, Sarah Kellar,
Grace Doherty, Samantha Cole-Root, Ananda Grant and Jerome Wiggins, raised $182. The top individual fundraiser
for the Patriots was Alexis Daniels, who collected $75. The track team raised a
total of $674. Kudos to these young athletes for their continued
participation in this important
community event.
Binghamton Track
and Field’s top fundraisers for the MDA
Walk (l-r): Alexis
Daniels, Kristen
Neary, Matti Tolan,
Abbie Bideaux, Alind
Barany, & Brandyn
Sloan. Not pictured:
Grace Perna.
BHS hosts countywide poetry recitation for children
The 23rd Annual Eleanor Henricks Countywide Poetry Recitation for Children was held April 20 in the Helen Foley
Theater at Binghamton High School.
The event was organized and originated by BCSD school librarian
Lonna Pierce and public librarian Maryse Quinn. Larry Kassan did
the lighting and sound. Top reciters from 20 area schools performed
poetry from memory and each received a blue
ribbon with a gold medal and a poetry book
for prizes.
The yearly event is co-sponsored by the
BCSD, Your Home Public Library, the Teacher’s Center of Broome County, and Senator
Libous’ BOOKS Program. About 200 people
attended the recitation, and the BCSD was
well-represented
with reciters from
West Middle School,
MacArthur, Jefferson, Calvin
Coolidge, Benjamin
Franklin, and Woodrow Wilson.
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District
Pair of Patriot athletes to join Big Red
Two of the most decorated athletes
in Binghamton High School history,
distance runner Abbie Bideaux and
diver Deyon Godbay, will continue
their sports careers next year at Cornell University.
Abbie, holder of five school track
records and winner of the individual
Southern Tier Athletic Conference
and Section IV Class A cross country titles last fall, will join the Big
Red women’s cross country team,
which has captured the last two Ivy
League championships and in 2012
finished 13th in the NCAA Division
I championships. Abbie will join
former Binghamton teammate and
current Cornell pole vaulter Alexis
Bartholomew.
Pictured above: left, coach Dave Cody and
Abbie Bideaux; right, coach Tim Hurley and
Deyon Godbay.
Abigail Bruce wins
Bausch & Lomb
Honorary Science Award
Abigail Bruce was named this year’s
winner of the annual Binghamton
High School’s Bausch & Lomb Science Award. The faculty of the BHS
Science Department selected Bruce
based on the level and achievement
of science courses she has taken
while a student at Binghamton High
School. She was chosen from a field
of highly qualified juniors.
Deyon, a high school All-American
whose four state meet appearances
included a fourth place finish in
2011, will strengthen an improving
Cornell men’s diving unit.
Both Abbie and Deyon plan to major
in biology. Good luck to both, and
"Go, Big Red!"
Pictured (l-r): Abigail Bruce and High
School Principal Roxie Oberg.
Pictured: The Binghamton varsity, JV, and modified baseball teams in front of Doubleday Field in Cooperstown on Sunday, May 5. The Patriots varsity squad faced the Briarcliff varsity team on Doubleday Field.
4
District
The pre-K dance offers family fun
Nearly 400 pre-K students and their families attended the annual Valentine’s Dance.
There was food, family photographs, and a performance by Johnny Only. Everyone
had a great time. Children who are four years old by December 1 are eligible for
these free programs starting in September. Call 762-8197 for registration information. Student artwork awarded
Students from Jefferson Elementary, Calvin Coolidge and Roosevelt
Elementary had artwork chosen to be displayed at Wilson Hospital
as part of the UHS Children’s Holiday Art Exhibit. Their artwork
was on display with works from other area schools for the month of
December. The families were invited to attend a grand opening gala
in December.
Experiences from
China shared
Personnel Director Linda Gretz recently gave
a presentation in Shirley Yan’s Mandarin II
class and shared her experiences from a trip
to China. Pictured (l-r): Giavana DiRenzo (Thomas Jefferson), Samuel Armand and his dad (Roosevelt)
Pictured (l-r): Teacher ShirleyYan, Jai’neiqua Caesar,
Melanie Tuberman, Tori Cary, Allison Westbrook,
DaJi O’Geen, Linda Gretz, Andrew Sezenias, Gordon
Huang, Natalie DeBoer
Pictured (l-r): Gabrielle Varcadipane (Roosevelt), Camryn Hovancik (Thomas Jefferson)
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Calvin Coolidge
Student art helps raise funds for PTA
Students in kindergarten and 1st grade had
the opportunity to participate in a truly
unique fundraising effort to benefit the
Calvin Coolidge PTA. This art-based effort
turns each child’s individual, full-color
art into a variety of personal custom gifts.
Items range from iPhone covers and mouse
pads to T-shirts and coffee mugs. The fundraiser was coordinated by art teacher Sue
Malejs along with Silver Graphics Studios.
Coolidge welcomes new principal
Mary Kay Ryan
On August 1, Calvin
Coolidge Elementary
School will welcome
a new principal, Mary
Kay Ryan.
Ryan comes to
Binghamton from the
Johnson City School
District, where she has
served as an assistant principal for approximately seven
years.
“
Students celebrate Chinese New Year
Third- and fourthgrade students at Calvin Coolidge recently
celebrated the Chinese
(lunar) New Year with
their art teacher, Mrs.
Malejs. According to
the Chinese calendar,
2013 is the year of the
snake.
Maxine Rosenberg, an outreach art teacher from Binghamton University’s Institute for Asia and Asian Diasporas, came to Coolidge to
teach students how to create a wonderful origami art project inspired
by the year of the snake. They learned that people born in the Year of
the Snake are lovers of music, art and food. They also are charming
and creative, have a good sense of humor, and make great leaders.
The students learned how to say Happy New Year in Mandarin: Gung
Hay Fat Choi.
The project was sponsored by the Confucius Institute of Chinese
Opera at Binghamton University and funded by the BCSD Foreign
Language Acquisition Grant coordinated by foreign language teacher
Jessica Monahan.
6
When I
went to
visit
Coolidge,
it felt like
coming
home.
An Endwell native and graduate
of Seton Central
High School, Ryan
received her bachelor’s degree from
SUNY Potsdam
and master’s from
SUNY Cortland.
She took her first
teaching job at
Head Start in
Binghamton before
going to Union-Endicott’s former Linnaeus W. West Elementary School, where she taught for 12 years.
”
“When I went to visit Coolidge, it felt like
coming home,” Ryan said. “Everybody
seems so connected. I immediately felt
like I belonged, like I fit right in.”
Outside school, Ryan and her husband,
Mark, are kept busy with their two middle-school-age sons (who are avid baseball
players), and a three-year-old daughter.
Ryan succeeds Karry Mullins, who resigned the principal’s post at Coolidge to
become the district’s assistant superintendent for administration. Retired principal
Susan Hendery has been serving as interim principal since January.
Ben Franklin
Rewarding random acts of kindness
Dr. Seuss birthday fun
As part of Random Acts of Kindness Month, students at Ben Franklin To celebrate Dr. Seuss’ Birthday at Franklin
learned the importance of being gentle, sweet, and caring toward one Elementary School, The Cat and the Hat
(aka Larry Coppola) came to visit and read to
another. The staff encouraged every adult and student in the building to show kindergarten and first-grade students.
random, unexpected acts of kindness toward one another both in and
out of school. Students were given examples such as holding the door
for someone, helping someone carry a heavy bag, using nice words
and complimenting how someone looks, or asking someone who is
playing by themselves to join the game.
Students were given foam hearts to wear and staff members wore red
felt hearts for the month. Hearts were popping up all over Franklin as
a result of these kind acts.
Pictured: the Cat in the Hat (aka Larry Coppola)
being greeted by Principal Joyce Westgate.
Adventurous visitor hops into Franklin
Boomer the kangaroo recently paid a visit to Mrs. Skinner’s secondgrade class at Ben Franklin. Students learned that the one-year-old
marsupial has his own bedroom and wears a diaper. According to
owner Jordon Patch of Animal Adventure, Boomer’s parents live in
a Florida zoo. When he was a very young baby, Boomer spent most
of his life in a pouch that Patch carried wherever he went. As he got
older and bigger, he spent less time in the pouch. Now he only spends
one hour a day in it.
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Ben Franklin
Never too young to save money
Cooking can be therapeutic
On National Save Day, Denise Mughetti from Chemung
Canal Bank visited the kindergarten classes at Franklin
Elementary School to talk about the importance of saving money. Mughetti gave each child a calculator, a key
chain, and a quarter to start their savings plan. Students in Miss Mathis’ class completed simple cooking
activities each week under the guidance of occupational
therapist Kim Wiggins and speech therapist Marianne
Cashman. Each session focused on a letter of the alphabet and activities
to support the
growth of various
skills. Occupational therapy is
working on letter
awareness, letter
formation through
handwriting, and
using sensory
techniques to help
students retain
the information. In addition, food
activities help
decrease any food
sensitivities that
may be present. Speech therapy
skills taught and
reinforced include following
directions, understanding and
using new vocabulary and concepts, answering questions,
using sequencing words, and listening for details. Students are also taught to use social language skills such as
turn taking, staying on topic, asking questions, and being
good listeners. Pictured: Denise Mughetti (back row center) with Sandi Distin’s
kindergarten class.
Ben's B-day celebration
During Morning Program on January 17, Benjamin
Franklin (aka consultant teacher Carol Todd) visited
school to share some wisdom with the students. He
stressed the importance of learning and always trying
your best. In honor of his birthday and special appearance, the Benjamin Franklin PTA treated all of the children to ice cream.
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Ben Franklin
Learning lessons from famous people
Lisa Kuhns’ third-grade class at Franklin, with help from librarian Sandy
Harrington, recently explored the lives of famous people. Each student selected a well-known person (current or historic) about whom they read and
then prepared a report. After writing their reports, students then made paper
doll likenesses of their person of interest using cloth, feathers, yarn, fun foam
and anything else they could find. Some of the biographies were about Annie
Oakley, Helen Keller, Andy
Warhol, Barack Obama,
Louis Armstrong, Booker T.
Washington, Mozart, Amelia Earhart, Sacagawea, and
Steve Irwin.
Pictured (l-r): back - Karimah
Medley, Allysa Donovan,, Demarco Lockwood, Enrique Masso
DeLeon, Nalo Pascall, Aldin
Karic. Front - Kaylee Way, Nelya
Kovalchuk, Nick Armitage, Rizawan Rashad.
Studying peace by exploring history
Art classes at Benjamin Franklin Elementary School collectively created a “Peace Project” as part of their exploration of important elements of the peace movement in
our country’s history.
The kindergarteners and first-graders created “flower
power” symbols like those popularized in the 1960’s and
1970’s. They then hung their flowers in the hallways to
create large peace signs.
The second- and third-graders worked on a chain of
hearts in a show of support and love for students at Sandy
Hook Elementary School. The fourth-graders made peace
doves to carry a message of kindness, while the fifthgraders created and decorated peace signs to line the
hallways.
The project was completed in
February in reflection of Black History
Month, Martin Luther King's Day, and the 1960’s movement toward peaceful protest against war and discrimination. Students included words and symbols in art to
convey their own message of peace and kindness.
The PBIS program at Franklin shared a vocabulary list
of kind words, and students have been recognized for
“random acts of kindness” toward classmates and the
community. Students also listened to some cool music
from the 60’s and 70’s, such as the Simon & Garfunkel
song known as “Feeling Groovy.”
As a result, students have become aware of the cultural
dimensions and contributions of the arts in our society.
9
Ben Franklin
Post test Celebration
Author shares life stories as writer, artist
To celebrate a job
well done after
testing, the
Ben Franklin PTA
treated students
and staff to Johnny
Only and an ice
cream cone from
the ice cream truck.
(Pictures include author Suzanne Bloom and Franklin fourth-graders)
In March, Suzanne Bloom visited Franklin students in grades 3-5. Bloom
talked with students about her journey as a writer and artist and answered
questions about her life. Students were enthralled by Bloom’s artwork and
were inspired by her determination to be published. Bloom also read her
work “A Splendid Friend Indeed,” delighting students with her expressive
reading. Select students had the opportunity to work on their writing skills
more closely with Bloom in an afternoon session.
Morning program features Irish dancers
Carle School Irish Dancers came to Benjamin Franklin to perform for the
school community at
Morning Program in
celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. The dancers
invited students from the
audience to join them on
stage to learn a simple
step.
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Thomas Jefferson
100th day celebrated
Mrs. Walker’s first-grade
class, Mrs. Chilson’s
kindergarten class, and
Mrs. Cluck’s kindergarten
class celebrated the 100th
day of school. Student art used to
raise funds
Students at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School had the opportunity to participate in a truly unique
fundraiser to benefit the TJ PTA.
This art-based fundraiser turns each
child’s individual full color art into a
variety of personal custom gifts for
the whole family. Items ranged from
iPhone covers and mouse pads, to tshirts and coffee mugs. The fundraiser was coordinated by Sue Malejs, art
teacher, along with Silver Graphics
Studios. A huge thank you to the TJ
PTA for their help in making this
inaugural fundraiser an enormous
success!
Thomas Jefferson 2nd grade student Roary
Benedict proudly displays her original artwork imprinted onto a pillowcase.
Thomas Jefferson Kindergarten student Sawyer Benedict proudly displays his original
painting imprinted on a pillowcase.
11
Thomas Jefferson
The Harlem Globetrotters present the ABCs of bully prevention
Known worldwide as the “Ambassadors of Goodwill,”™
the iconic Harlem Globetrotters are debuting a new
community outreach program, “The ABCs of Bullying
Prevention,” in an effort to impact schools and communities around the world.
The Globetrotters designed the program in coordination
with the National Campaign to Stop Violence (NCSV).
The program focuses on action, bravery, and compassion,
comprising the ABCs.
The program targets 6-14 year-old students and involves
Globetrotter players discussing the three key words in
the ABCs and tools that kids can use on a daily basis to
reduce bullying. The Globetrotters equate what it means
to be part of a team to how kids can offer support to one
another to help stop bullying.
The important message of bullying and violence prevention is conveyed with student participation – and the
team’s signature ball handling skills and humor – for
a well-balanced program that informs and entertains.
Teachers and/or administrators are also provided with
program certificates to be distributed to the kids to take
home in the days after the program is presented.
NCSV, a non-profit organization that works with middle
school students, firmly believes that young people, who
think about their actions in the non-confrontational ways
that this program extols, can create a culture where aggressive behavior is frowned upon and violence is thereby reduced. Students frequently cite bullying as a cause of violence
that they experience, and the rate at which students are
reporting this cause is increasing. We hope that by reaching these kids early in their lives, they might be taught
valuable lessons in character and empathy from the positive role models of the Harlem Globetrotters.
The Globetrotters will bring “The ABCs of Bullying
Prevention” to more than 300 schools and youth centers
as part of their 2013 “You Write The Rules” world tour,
celebrating the team’s 87th consecutive year.
Action. Bravery.
Compassion.
Pictured: Buckets Blakes with students (l-r) Andrew Smith, Colbie
Young, and Santino Resciniti
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Thomas Jefferson
Managing conflict by making the right choices
Mrs. Chilson’s kindergarten class recently received graduation certificates for successfully completing the Kelso’s
Choice Conflict Management program. The program teaches students that they are strong enough
and smart enough to resolve conflict. They learn the
differences between big problems that need adult intervention and small problems that can be solved by small
people. Kelso, the big green frog, and the school social
worker taught students nine of "Kelso’s Choices,"
which can be used to handle minor problems faced by many kindergarteners and
1st-graders, such as tattling, unfair play,
etc. Over the course of several months, the class spent
time practicing Kelso’s Choices through stories, skits,
and role plays. Students also learned about personal
safety.
Young poets represent TJ at recitation
Thomas Jefferson participated in the 23rd Annual Countywide Poetry Recitation for Children on April 20 at Binghamton High School. The winning
students included Jahleel Carrier (alternate, Daniel Ruybe) and Olivia Marshall (alternate, Genevieve Lew).
At the Jefferson Poetry Recitation, the entire student body chorally recited
Judith Viorst’s funny poem, “Mother doesn’t Want a Dog,” and each kindergarten and first-grade class performed their own group poems, to the great
amusement of all. Even music teacher Mr. Koldeway made up an impromptu
poem as he swept up some spilled pepper. Inspiring!
13
Thomas Jefferson
Dr. Seuss' birthday celebrated with favorite readings
Kelly Jahelka’s lively second-graders celebrated Dr. Seuss’s birthday in the Jefferson library with “The Cat in the
Hat” and “Fox in Sox.” Pictured below are library clerk Mrs. Moore (sporting a Dr. Seuss hat) and librarian Lonna
Pierce (with the “One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish” shirt) in honor of the good
doctor. All of Jefferson’s students enjoyed Hat Day on March 1 as a part of the event.
Pictured (l-r): Hannah Decker, Jahleel Carrier, Paul Westbrook, Madigan
Baxter, Madison Butler, Gavin Pham, Domenic Emilio, Saaniah Small, Gwen
Boynton, Asiyaa Clemons, Cecilia Leonard, Andrew Allen, Julia Ganisin,
Gregory Gooch, Aiden DiRose, Donovan Tyler, Olivia Leuci, Lucas Weakland,
Michael Vanhousen, Xaire Gay. Adults: Mrs. Moore, Kelly Jahelka
Step dancing takes skill, practice and lots of patience
Students at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School learned about styles of dance from the Binghamton High School
step team, Tazama, under the direction of Karen Koyanagi.
Students also learned about
what “patience” means to
these dancers as they spelled
out the word with their bodies. Tazama performed some
original dances in the styles
of step and hip-hop. Maybe in
a few years we will see some
TJ students dancing in Ms.
Koyanagi’s classes.
Thanks for sharing your talents with us, Tazama.
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Horace Mann
Book club reads H.Potter Mrs. Nemecek’s book club recently finished
reading "Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s
Stone." To celebrate, students were sorted
into the four houses of Hogwarts, made
“house” ties, created their our own wands,
and sampled some of the
yummy candies
mentioned in the
book. Last, they
watched the movie
to compare it to the
book to see which
they liked better.
Congratulations to
book club members
for doing a great
job, staying committed and making the
experience fun for
everyone.
Pictured (l-r): Raevynn Honnick,
Harper Stantz, Jumik Collington, Manny
Sapp, Thoria Mohamed, Kymell Robinson,
Claire Rennia, Noga Rosenthal
Mac Arthur
BU Biochemistry Club visits fifth-graders at MacArthur
In May, representatives from the Binghamton University
Biochemistry Club visited the fifth-graders at MacArthur Intermediate School. The BU students introduced
themselves and shared their views about science. They
also discussed various career opportunities that exist for students
who study biochemistry and then
demonstrated several experiments,
including those involving waterproof sand, Ivory soap expansion,
turning milk into stone, never-ending foam snake, and melting styrofoam with nail polish remover.
many times its original size. The students were excited
and amazed by this transformation and asked many interesting and insightful questions of the BU students.
The student favorite was the Ivory
soap expansion experiment. First, the bar was placed in
a cup of water to demonstrate that Ivory floats, as compared to other brands of soap. Then the bar was placed
in the microwave for one minute, where it expanded to
The Biochemistry Club visit was such a
hit with the students and teachers that Mr. Lynch, MacArthur’s assistant principal, is working with club members
to bring them back next year and to possibly have them
present their experiments to the entire school.
The BU Biochemistry Club demonstrated
their love of science with a hands-on
approach and offered plenty of time for
questions. One question was “What would
happen to the other bar of soap (not Ivory)
if it was placed inside of the microwave?”
A BU student responded that it would
probably just melt because it did not have
the tiny air pockets that the Ivory soap
contains.
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Mac Arthur
MacArthur poetry
recitation winners
MacArthur Intermediate
votes for Council leaders
April was a happy National Poetry Month.
Everyone was impressed by the children’s
fluency, confidence, and enthusiasm.
Judges for the recitation included Superintendent Dr. Marion Martinez, Dr. Jennifer
Dove, Principal Maria McIver, Sarah Reid
of the Broome County Public Library,
Martin Doorey of Barnes & Noble, teachers Carol Stelmak and Lissa Connelly,
speech therapist Roberta Peterson, and
school librarian Lonna Pierce.
In May, the MacArthur Intermediate Student
Council had an assembly led by Ms. Bogart
in which candidates running for office had the
opportunity to read their speeches in front of
the whole student body. At the end of the
assembly, students and staff members cast
votes for president, vice president, treasurer
and secretary. The winners were Jake Miller
(president), Sydney Northrup (vice president), Max Bell (treasurer) and Zane Olmstead (secretary).
Gavin Quinones and Isabella DeVincentis represented MacArthur Primary at the 23rd Annual
Countywide Poetry Recitation for Children on
April 20 at Binghamton High School. Second place
winners were Damontay Bates and Sophia Konidis.
Pictured (l-r): Taylor Perry, Molly Murray, and Megan McNamara at the voting
table.
Molly Murray, Max Rizzuto, and Trevor Terry
represented MacArthur Intermediate at the Countywide Poetry Recitation! Runner up was Korrin
Ambrose.
Well done, all!
16
Candidates waiting to give their speeches (l-r): Jake Miller, Korrin Ambrose,
Daphne Pufky, Sydney Northrup, Max Bell, Melissa Randall-Titus, Genna Bomysoad, Madyson Florance, Nathaniel Allen, Zane Olmstead, Cora Layton, and
Maddie Sheehan.
Mac Arthur
Celebrating “Pete the Cat” in a groovy way
After months of planning, writing, drawing, and waiting, Miss Bergmann’s 1st-graders
at MacArthur Primary celebrated “Pete the Cat” in a groovy way.
This year, students followed “Pete the Cat” (by Eric Litwin) through his adventures and then decided to create their own original book featuring Pete
the Cat. They wrote and illustrated “Pete the Cat Hanging in His Pajamas,”
which depicts what Pete would do if he stayed in his pajamas all day long. The
inspiration came from our classroom pajama day and, of course, our good friend,
Pete himself.
In April,
the class
celebrated
with a
book
signing.
Each student received a copy of
their much anticipated book, read it
to loved ones who were invited to
share with us, enjoyed some cookies
and milk, and then signed the books
of the other fellow authors. It truly
was an inspiring way to celebrate
their hard work.
We thank everyone who was able to
attend our celebration. Keep reading
and singing your song.
MacArthur is returning home
A note from the staff
We are extremely grateful to be returning
home to the South Side. Thank you to all
Binghamton residents who took the time to
show support for our new school. We cannot
thank you enough.
Providing a rich
environment
for quality learning
17
Mac Arthur
Cat in the Hat Day fun
Theodore Roosevelt
Visitor shows how to make paper
Maggie Annunziata’s class had a visit
from Kevin Mathers
of Cornell Cooperative Extension. He
explained how paper
is made and then the
students were able
to make their own
piece of paper.
Pictured top (l-r). Kevin
Mathers of Cornell Cooperative Extension and
Lucien Smith.
Bottom: Yexenia NunezThongthip
Student shares birthday with everyone
A Roosevelt family made their child’s birthday extra special by providing enough cake for the entire school. Kindergartener Malik AlSalman celebrated his first birthday at Roosevelt by sharing cake with
the entire 455 student body. The cake was served during the lunch
hour. The entire cafeteria sang “Happy Birthday” to Malik (pictured
below) to help him enjoy his special day.
18
Theodore Roosevelt
Need help? The police are there
Police Week activities
Students in Amy Paolini’s and Dario
Vazquez’s classes did an outstanding job
working together on a project entitled “How
the police help us.” Students collaborated in
developing posters and writing samples in
part based on the great questions they posed to
Binghamton Police officers Pat Brady (K-9)
and Dan Ostanek during a recent visit.
Dr. Suds from the Discovery
Center recently visited Maggie
Annunziata’s first-grade classroom to explore bubbles. Bursting
with enthusiasm, the students also
learned about solutions.
Pictured (l-r): Kierah Sickler, Ericka
Lurenz, Anastasia Rivera, and Brianna
Pello
Above: Kierah Sickler with Dr. Suds
19
Theodore Roosevelt
Events focus on diabetes
Legion winners announced
BU players offer free soccer
clinic
Binghamton university men’s soccer team
provided 45 Roosevelt
students with a free
after-school soccer
clinic.
Roosevelt students entered the American Legion Auxiliary contest
about the American freedoms they appreciate. Pictured (l-r): Front
- Randy Abreu Rodriguez (third place), Adau Shol (first place),
Katherine Marie Wood (second place). Back - Dora Perry (American
Legion Auxillary of Robinson Street) and Principal David Chilson.
Woodrow Wilson
Singing event heard around the world
Woodrow Wilson students sang to the stars during the Music Monday event on May 6.
Students joined astronaut Chris Hadfield and thousands around the world singing “Is Somebody Singing?” written by
Hadfield and Ed Robertson from the band Barenaked Ladies. The students gathered on the school’s front lawn and
sang with Hadfield via video stream from the International Space Station.
Music Monday is sponsored by the Coalition for Music Education and encourages schools and students to celebrate
music in their lives.
20
East Middle School
Binghamton teachers perform with BCO
Eight Binghamton teachers from throughout the district performed with the
Binghamton Community Orchestra (BCO) in the inaugural concert at East
Middle School’s new auditorium, which featured an “Armed Forces Salute”
honoring our military men and women for Veterans’ Day.
Works performed in the concert included “Fanfare for the Common Man” by
Copland; “You’re a Grand Old Flag” by Cohan/Rosenhaus; “Stars and Stripes
Forever” by J.P. Sousa; “The Star Spangled Banner,” conducted by Nancy
Patnode from the George F. Johnson American Legion Post 1700; “American
Salute” by Morton Gould; “Liberty for All” by James Beckel and narrated by
Sharon Ball of the Broome County Arts Council; and the “1812 Overture” by
Tchaikovsky.
The concert was well attended by community members and local veterans.
The BCO enjoyed performing in the new facility at East Middle, and especially enjoyed working with the students of the East Middle School Tech Club,
which is sponsored by BCO member Bob Crissman. The BCO looks forward
to performing at East Middle School again.
Picture (l-r): front - Luisa Duerr (BHS)
and Bob Crissman (EMS); back - James
Hsia (BHS), Ruth Fisher (Mann, Wilson,
Jefferson), Laura Crounse (Roosevelt and
Coolidge), Laura Hine, (EMS and WMS),
Beth Bartlett (Roosevelt and MacArthur),
and Beth Lewis (MacArthur and BHS)
East band/orchestra perform at NYSSMA Solo and Ensemble Fest
In April, students from the band and orchestra programs at East
Middle School participated in the annual NYSSMA Solo and Ensemble Festival at Johnson City High School. The students had to
prepare a solo, scales, and sight read for a judge to critique.
The students were coached by Laura Hine and Rob Johnson. Congratulations on a job well done.
Rita Cesare...................french horn.... Level 4
Sarah Herrera-Perez.....cello............... Level 1
Kallie Holland...............cello............... Level 2... Outstanding
Clarissa Klein...............alto sax(jazz).. Level 3
Terry Larson................cello............... Level 4... Outstanding
Briana McKernan..........viola............... Level 3
Talik Middleton............alto sax.......... Level 2... Outstanding
Faith Miller...................alto sax(jazz).. Level 2
Amera Molazem...........clarinet........... Level 1... Outstanding
Daven Palmer...............violin.............. Level 3... Outstanding
Faith Parisot.................flute................ Level 2... Outstanding
Joel Parisot..................tuba................ Level 3... Outstanding
Shayne Soltis...............snare drum.... Level 3
Massiah Spivey............snare drum.... Level 2
Massiah Spivey............alto sax(jazz).. Level 3... Outstanding*
Kimm Wynn.................viola............... Level 1... Outstanding
Wendy Smith and
Brooklyn Hoyt..............trumpet duet.. Level 3... Outstanding
Meghan Backus
Mariam Perez
Kylisa Robinson and
Caryssa Warner............flute quartet.... Level 2... Outstanding
*PERFECT SCORE
Pictured (l-r): Back - Joel Parisot, Daven Palmer, Kimm
Wynn, Wendy Smith, Talik Middleton, Mariam Perez,
Faith Miller, Amera Molazem; middle - Massiah Spivey,
Brooklyn Hoyt, Caryssa Warner, Kylisa Robinson,
Briana McKernan, Meghan Backus, Clarissa Klein;
front - Faith Parisot, Terry Larson, Rita Cesare, Kallie
Holland, Sarah Herrera-Perez, Shayne Soltis.
21
West Middle School
Students create audio book reviews to catalog for future classes
Sixth-grade students in Mrs. Moreno's and Mrs. Zunic’s
classes recently took their book reports to the next step,
creating a tool that will help other students choose books
that they will like. After writing their reports in class, the
students used PhotoStory to narrate pictures and review
their books with the help of librarian Mary Ann Karre. The podcasted
reviews were then uploaded to the
library Web page and linked to the
titles in the library catalog. Now,
when a student searches a book in
the catalog (opalsbnf.stier.org), they
may find a link to an audio book
review.
used information from a variety of print and digital
sources and learned to communicate effectively orally
and in print using digital tools.
This project demonstrates how the
state's new common core standards
are changing school assignments.
The students used many different skills to create a realworld project that can be used for years to come. They
Now that they have created these
fantastic book review podcasts,
teachers and students can build on
the skills they have learned and create other terrific projects in the library.
The podcasts were the subject of a front-page article in
the Press and Sun Bulletin. In it, the Press quoted Marilyn Arnone, codirector of the Center
for Digital Literacy at Syracuse
University, who said, “The podcast reports will help students in
the long run. It’s so preparing the
students for tomorrow. In society
in the 21st century, this is the way
we talk. This is what employers are
expecting.”
Library obtains audio books through
DonorsChoose grant
West Middle School recently earned a DonorsChoose grant for eleven books
on CD.
DonorsChoose is an organization that posts grants for public school teachers and solicits contributions from the public. Nine generous donors from
Binghamton and beyond contributed to our project. The audio books will
be cataloged so that students can borrow them. To borrow audio materials,
students need to have a parental permission form on file. This form is available online through the library Web page and in the library.
22
West Middle School
West Middle orchestra students perform at NYSSMA festival
In April, students from the orchestra program at West Middle School participated in the annual NYSSMA Solo and Ensemble Festival at Johnson City High School. They all prepared a solo, scales, and sight reading for a judge to critique.
Students also had the opportunity to perform their solos at the West Middle School Arts Night and NYSSMA recital in
June. The students were coached by Laura Hine. Congratulations to all participants on a job well done.
6th Grade
Jessica Drury............cello..............Level 1
Jessica Fisher...........cello..............Level 2- Outstanding
Erin Hager.................violin.............Level 2- Outstanding
Sophia Klin................violin.............Level 4- Outstanding*
Alexandria
Lowery-Hernandez....violin.............Level 2
7th Grade
Keonna Browne.........violin.............Level 2
Samantha Doyle........violin.............Level 2
Anna Gilroy...............violin.............Level 3- Outstanding
Brigid Goodman........bass..............Level 3- Outstanding
Sela Kent.................violin.............Level 2- Outstanding
Marla Olmstead.........bass..............Level 3- Outstanding
Elise Stetson.............cello..............Level 3
8th Grade
Haley Benjamin.........cello..............Level 2
Seth Boyd.................cello..............Level 4
Katie James...............viola..............Level 3
Julia King.................violin.............Level 2- Outstanding
Corinne Roma...........cello..............Level 4
Emma Scheneman....cello..............Level 4
Ensembles
Olivia Capozzi and
Bailey Layish.............cello duet...... Level 2
*PERFECT SCORE
Pictured (l-r): Back - Samantha Doyle, Sela Kent, Olivia Capozzi, Emma Scheneman, Alli Lowery-Hernandez, Haley Benjamin, Erin Hager, Julia King, Laura
Hine; middle - Anna Gilroy, Sophia Klin, Katie James, Brigid Goodman, Corinne
Roma, Seth Boyd; front - Jessica Fisher, Jessica Drury, Bailey Layish.
Flute choir performs at JC fest
The NYSSMA Solo and Ensemble Festival was conducted at Johnson City High School in April. Among those
performing were students in Director Melanie Valencia’s
West Middle School Flute Choir. Emma Scheneman,
Julianne Zumbach, Ashlyn Taylor, Julia King, Nicholas
Gilbert, Kali LaVine, and Ella Egan performed a Level 3
ensemble, “Scenes from the West.”
Pictured (l-r): Front - Nick Gilbert; middle - Director Melanie
Valencia, Ashlyn Taylor, Ella Egan, Julia King; back - Julianne Zumbach, Emma Scheneman.
23
West Middle School
Band students excel at NYSSMA festival in Owego
West Middle School
orchestra receives silver
rating at NYSSMA Major
Organization Festival
In May, the West Middle School
participated in the NYSSMA Major
Organization Festival at Owego Free
Academy. They performed a Level
2 program in which they received
a silver rating. They performed
"Rondeau" (theme from Masterpiece
Theatre) by Mouret, arranged
by Vernon Leidig; "Dance of the
Tumblers" from "The Snow Maiden"
by Rimsky-Korsakov, arranged
by Sandra Dackow; and "Cello
Squadron" by Richard Meyer. The
60-member orchestra is conducted by
Laura Hine.
Congratulations on a job well done.
Clarinet Quartet
Sabrina LaBoudy
Reilly Atkinson
Audrey King
Maylin Vititow
Pirates Percussion Ensemble
Liam Lynch
Maggie Lynch
Ethan Wetzel
Sam Hatala
Reilly Atkinson
Sascha Bergeron-Novello
Kristin Churzynski
John Shea
John Berling
Flute and Clarinet Duo
Kali LaVine and Ariel Lavene
Bassoon and Bass Clarinet Duo
Elise Stetson and Natalie Sheehan
Good
Clarinet and Flute Duo
Sarah Wagamon and
Devon Tracy................................. Level 2
Excellent rating
Ben Putrino.......... solo trumpet.... Level 2
Elise Stetson........ bassoon solo... Level 3
Sax Trio
Ethan Wetzel
Nicolas Gregoris
Connor Deacon............................ Level 4
Ethan Wetzel........ alto sax solo.... Level 4
Trombone Duo
Joseph Schull and
Marcellus Midyette................. Level 3
Flute Choir
Emma Scheneman
Julianne Zumbach,
Ashlyn Taylor
Nicolas Gilbert
Julia King,
Kali LaVine
Ella Egan............... Level 4 - Outstanding
Brass Ensemble
Andrew Osburn
Addison Gardiner,
Luka Rizzuto
Ryan Deacon.................. Level 1
Alto sax solo
Nic Gregoris...................Level 3
Piano Solo
Elise White.....................Level 2
Alto Sax Solo
Kenijah Georges.............Level 3
Flute Solo
Lexi Gruss......................Level 2
Tuba Solo
Sophia Klin.....................Level 3
Percussion Quartet
Ethan Wetzel
Alex Wetzel
Laim Lynch and
Maggie Lynch................Level 4
Perfect score of 28
Sax Quintet
Jacob McDonald
Ethan Wetzel
Nicolas Gregoris
Connor Deacon and
Kenijah Georges.............Level 4
Clarinet Solo
Natalie Sheehan.............Level 2.
Bravo!
Symphonic Band Concert
24
Binghamton High School
National Honor
Society induction
Rockwell Collins hosts Project
Lead the Way students
Students in Marta Gaska's Project Lead the Way preengineering class recently took a field trip to Rockwell
Collins to see the types of engineering problems that
were being solved at that facility.
Students learned how aerodynamic, avionic, industrial,
software, mechanical, and electrical engineers apply
their skills to design trainers used to prepare soldiers for
military missions. All of the hardware and software used
on the simulators and trainers are developed at Rockwell
Collins. Students experimented with their VAPT (virtual
avionics procedure trainer), which is a collection of
Pictured at far left is President Estenban Doyle and Student Government Representative Jabril Robinson, newly inducted member Kate
Erbstoesser, Vice President Sam Gilroy, and Treasurer Abbie Bideaux. A string quartet added ambiance to the evening ceremony under
the musical direction of James Hsai.
Patriots say 'I love my park'
Members of the Binghamton Patriots boys varsity lacrosse team marked this year’s “I Love My Park Day”
On May 4 by helping out at Sun Flower Park on Murray
Street in Binghamton. The event was undertaken as part
of the IB/Middle Years Program’s community service effort. This was the second annual statewide event.
Pictured (l-r): Back - Devante Wright, Seth Jeffery, Nick Capra,
Gene Segrue, Tyler Varsik, Bruce Holbrook, Dustin Peck, Brandon,
Myers, Ranier Lucas, Stephen Bretscher; Front - Tyler MacMyne,
Erika Jensen, Du Giang, Chenoa Hailey, Ariel Torres, Tina Dong,
Mrs. Marta Gaska
touchscreens that can duplicate the look and operation of
any aircraft. It prepares an operator to fly in a variety of
abnormal and emergency conditions. Rockwell Collins
also demonstrated a simulator used to teach soldiers how
to service military vehicles in the field. Some students
even piloted a virtual helicopter inside of a sphere on
hydraulic actuators with a real cockpit. This Rockwell
Collins’ flight simulator, which displays any terrain on
the planet, can be set to a variety of weather conditions.
The trip provided insight into how local engineers are
applying the concepts learned in our engineering classPictured (l-r): Front - Vince Evans, Nishan Ketchoyian, Colin Corooms to their jobs every day. We thank everyone at
naty; Middle - Devin Martinez, Jon Fedczuk, Tyler Beschomer, David Rockwell Collins for taking the time to educate our stuHolleran, Gavin Abbott, John Keeler, Deon DiMascio; Back - Salen
dents and for making them feel welcome.
Turkovic, Brendon Gitchell, Ryan Madden, Zach Bruner, Coach Mark
Ward, Vinnie Pascucci, Justin Hammond, Dustin Peck.
25
Binghamton High School
Trip to Corning Museum provides
hands-on learning opportunity
Students from IB art with Ms. Barvinchak and Art Club with Mrs.
Crans-Gentile recently had the opportunity to explore the world of
glass at the Corning Museum of Glass. They started the day by participating in hands-on activities at The Studio. Students created three
works of glass art, including a sandblasted drinking glass, a fused
sun catcher, and a blown glass flower. After lunch, students toured
the museum where they were immersed in an expansive collection
of both modern and ancient glass art, science and history. The trip
was a great opportunity to show students how all of the subject areas
intertwine. A special thank you goes to Broome-Tioga BOCES' Arts
in Education program, which helped fund the trip. 26
Binghamton High School
BHS senior wins award for community service
Binghamton High School senior Elizana-Marie Joseph is this year’s recipient of the Student Community Service Award, a scholarship program sponsored
by state Senator Thomas W. Libous, Broome-Tioga
BOCES, and WBNG-TV.
Joseph received the award at a reception on April 25
along with award-winning colleagues from school
districts throughout Sen. Libous’ 52nd Senate District. Each recipient will receive a $1,000 scholarship
toward tuition at a college located in New York state.
The program is designed to recognize and reward
students who give back to their community through
volunteerism. Joseph was selected for her selfless
participation in numerous
Pictured (l-r): Broome-Tioga BOCES District Superintendent Allen D.
events, including the Cancer Buyck, WBNG-TV News Director Candace Chapman, Elizana-Marie
Survivor’s Dinner, organiz- Joseph, and State Sen. Thomas W. Libous.
ing a caroling group at
Lourdes Hospital, singing in the Lifteen Music Ministry, and volunteering as children’s
craft coordinator for the Jewish Community Center.
“I volunteer in my community to help make a positive impact in the lives of others,” Joseph said. “Whether I am serving a meal, teaching crafts, or caroling to the sick, I enjoy
making people smile. Each time I participate in a service event I learn new things about
the people and community I serve.”
Joseph, who maintains a GPA in excess of 103 while carrying a courseload filled with AP
and IB classes, plans to attend the University of Rochester in the fall.
BCSD students ski and snowboard
Greek Peak in 2013
Students from Binghamton Schools had fun with the Ski and Snowboard Club on the slopes of Greek Peak. The Club is open to 6th
- 12th graders. Conditions this winter were great. Students from East
Middle, West Middle, and the high school went on Sundays. Next year
we will be heading up on Friday afternoons/ evenings.
The club gets discounted school program rates. Students have to pay
for lift tickets, bus, & rentals. An optional six-time food coupon book
may be purchased as well. New skiers and boarders enjoy free instruction from Greek Peak staff. High school chaperones/advisors are
provided to and from the mountain.
Want to help us raise funds? It's easy! Step 1: Purchase a season pass
this spring for 2013-14. Step 2: Just mention Binghamton Schools on
the online registration. There is NO additional cost to you … just mention Binghamton schools and Greek Peak will
reward kids with lower rates for each season pass you buy. Questions about season passes or anything else Greek
Peak may be directed to ljohnson@greekpeakmtnresort.com.
For membership information, contact school advisor Bill O’Donnell at Odonnelw@binghamtonschools.org. or the
club Web page link under "BHS Clubs and Groups."
27
Binghamton High School
Juniors attend leadership conference
Student
earns art
and writing
awards
Binghamton High School senior Krystal
Laskaris has won both an Honorable Mention and a Silver Key award for her poetry
in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards
of 2013.
The awards program is presented by the
Alliance for Young Artists and Writers, the
most prestigious recognition and scholarship program for teenage artists and writers in the U.S.
Krystal is the president of the student
organization Writer’s Guild and is a full
IB diploma candidate. She plans to attend
Alfred University in the fall.
Juniors Jasmine Howard, Ariel
Torres and Matthew Fiacco were
selected to represent Binghamton
High School at the Rotary Youth
Leadership Award Conference June
23-28 at SUNY Oneonta.
Jasmine, Ariel and Matthew will be
among more than 100 rising seniors
(from Central NY) who will live,
work, study and listen to speakers.
The candidates were chosen based
on a review of the candidate’s
application and interviews with a
selection committee of Binghamton
Pictured (l-r): Ariel Torres, Matthew
Rotarians.
Fiacco and Jasmine Howard
The conference strives to develop
the leadership potential of young people. It features speakers and
workshops focusing on decision-making, ethics, critical thinking, effective communication, career development, public service, contemporary problems and other challenging issues.
Six from BHS recognized at 'Girls Night Out' event
In May, the Sisters-for-Sisters organization at Binghamton High School held its 10th Annual Girls’ Night
Out. The event is held annually to recognize and honor BHS Women of Distinction. This year the honorees were Debbie Card, Penny Connolly, Cindy Filetto, Brittany Sharpe, Betsy Williams and student
Hannah Spencer. These six women were chosen by the “sisters" as honorees because they exhibited
qualities that led them to be seen as positive role models and mentors at the high school. All of the
women were credited with going above and beyond their job description by giving not only their time,
but their kindness and compassion to the girls as well.
During the evening, speeches were read by the
“sisters” to let each woman know why they
were chosen as a Woman of Distinction. They
were then presented with a gift, from the entire
organization, so the women would have a lasting
memory of the lives they impacted and the role
they played in the lives of others at Binghamton
High School. By lighting a path for these young
women, they have empowered many of them to
plan for a life of success.
Pictured (l-r): Debbie Card, Brittany Sharpe, Hannah Spencer, Betsy Williams, Cindy Filetto, and
Penny Connolly
28
Use your noodle
On June 6, a group
of National Honor
Society members
from BHS participated in the Stand
for Children antibullying event at
Recreation Park. The
event focused on
anti-bullying efforts in middle and
elementary schools.
The BHS students
designed and created a stand called
“Use Your Noodle!” to
promote tolerance,
friendship, and finding beauty in the differences that make
us all unique.
Fine Arts
Students perform at BCMEA 5-6 Orchestra Festival
Eleven students from the Binghamton City School District participated in
the BCMEA 5-6 Orchestra Festival. Students auditioned in December and in
February collaborated with conductor Michelle Williams to rehearse and perform at the Anderson Center at Binghamton University. The concert program
included "Kingsbridge
March" by William
Dyson; "Wood Splitter
Fanfare" by Brian Balmages; "Scarborough
Fair" arranged by Brian
Balmages; and "FiddleMe-Oo-Re-I-Re-A" arranged by Virginia Croft.
The students enjoyed the
experience, learned a lot
from it, and are looking
forward to participating
in the festival again next
year. Congratulations to
all participants. Students
are from the programs
of Beth Bartlett (MacArthur), Ruth Fisher (Jefferson), Laura Hine (West
MS), and Genie Johnston
(Franklin).
Franklin
Mara Morrison - Violin II
Madison Stankevich - Bass
Jefferson
Olivia Marsall- Violin II
MacArthur
Megan McNamara- Violin I
Sydney Northrup- Violin II
West Middle School
Alissa Brown- Viola
Jessica Fisher- Cello
Erin Hager- Violin 1
Shayna Kent- Violin I
Sophia Klin- Violin I
Concert mistress
Jeannie Sebesta- Violin I
29
Fine Arts
Students perform
at BCMEA 7-9
Orchestra Festival
The Binghamton City School District
had 19 students participate in the BCMEA 7-9 Orchestra Festival. Students
auditioned in December on excerpts
and scales to be chosen for this
countywide select group. On March 8
and 9, students collaborated with conductor Roberta Warfield to rehearse
and perform at the Anderson Center at
Binghamton University. The concert
program was "Farandole" from the Carmen Suite by Bizet (arranged by Isaac); "Acrobats"
by Richard Meyer; "Waltz of the Wicked" by Kirt Mosier; and "Contrasts in E minor" by
Francis Feese. The students enjoyed the experience, learned a lot from it, and are looking
forward to participating again next year. Congratulations to all participants. Students are
from the programs of Laura Hine (East and West MS) and James Hsia (Binghamton High
School).
Binghamton High School
Jeff Berling..............Violin 1
Rain Cronce............Violin 1
Natalie DeBoer........Bass *
Molly Hawley...........Cello
Angel Parisot...........Viola
Ursula Swiza...........Viola
Niya Wright.............Viola
East Middle School
Daven Palmer..........Violin 2 *
West Middle School
Jonah Capani..........Bass
Ella Egan.................Violin 2
Anna Gilroy.............Violin 2
Brigid Goodman......Violin 2
Katie James.............Viola
Bailey Layish...........Cello
Marla Olmstead.......Bass
Shynetta Price.........Violin 2
Corinne Roma.........Cello
Emma Scheneman..Cello
Ashlyn Taylor..........Violin 2
*Principal
These photographs are from the BCMEA Festival 2 featuring grade 7-9 band students. From West Middle are students Liam Lynch, Ethan
Wetzel, Emma Scheneman, Ella Egan, Kali LaVine, Connor Deacon, Nicolas Gregoris, Natalie Sheehan, Audrey King. From the high school
are students Samantha Lauth and Gabriella Cooper. They are taught by Melanie Valencia at West and Joel Smales at BHS.
BCMEA 10-12 All-County Chorus
The Broome County Music Educators’ Association
sponsored its third All-County Honors Music Festival in
March, which concluded with a public concert held at the
Anderson Center at BU. Eight Binghamton High School
students were chosen to perform with the grades 10-12
choir.
Pictured (l-r): Front – Rachel Robertson, Katie Browne, Alexa Boyd;
middle – Esteban Doyle, Julia Guy; back – Richard A. DeLousia III,
Elizana-Marie Joseph, Susan Boyko.
30
Fine Arts
Student creative crafts
help SOS shelter
This spring, Carly Barvinchak’s creative
crafts classes learned a variety of clay techniques in their three-part ceramics unit. One
part was to create a pinch pot as a community and service piece. Once the pieces
were made they were planted with a variety
of green succulents. The class then created
greeting cards to accompany the pinch pots.
By their choice, the students donated these
pieces to the local SOS (domestic violence)
Shelter. Creative crafts is one of many visual
arts courses offered through the Rod Serling
School of Fine Arts at Binghamton High
School.
Pictured (l-r); Top - Stephen Shea, Mikayla Pack, Emily Capozzi, Thu Nguyen; bottom - Gladys Colon, Meredith Starks, Allison McGovern, Allison Bartholomew East Middle School students perform at elementary schools
In March, the East Middle School stage band, orchestra, and chorus, performed at Coolidge, Franklin,
and Roosevelt elementary schools. They also had the
opportunity to participate in musical workshops at
Binghamton High School. The tour was part of the
Music in Our Schools Month celebration. This is an
annual event in which students and teachers look forward to participating. The
East Middle School stage band is directed
by Robert Johnson, the East Middle
School orchestra is directed by Laura
Hine, and the East Middle School chorus
is directed by Ernest Backus.
Pictured above: Laura Hine with the EMS Orchestra. Top right: Earnest Backus directing the EMS Chorus. Left: Robert Johnson directing
the EMS Stage Band. Center: Franklin Principal Joyce Westgate with Franklin alumus Ernest Backus
31
Fine Arts
Young musicians take part in Music in Our
Schools Month
BHS' Kassan is
WSKG special guest
In March, orchestra students from East Middle, Coolidge, Roosevelt, Franklin and MacArthur performed in the “Eastside Super Strings” concert at the
Oakdale Mall to celebrate Music in our School Month.
The orchestra met in the morning for a rehearsal at East, before traveling to
the Mall to perform. The group consisted of approximately 70 students in
grades 5-8. The orchestra was conducted by Laura Hine (East and West) with
the elementary students being prepared by Elizabeth Bartlett (Roosevelt and
MacArthur), Eugenie Johnston (Franklin) and Jennifer Tigue (Coolidge).
Students performed pieces from many genres of music, ending with a grand
finale of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star."
The students and teachers had a great time and hope to make it an annual
event.
Binghamton School’s Coordinator
of Special Events and Theatre Lawrence Kassan was the special guest
on WSKG Public Television for the
Rod Serling Movie Night.
Serling’s “Patterns,” for which he
won his first EMMY Award, and
“The Comedian,” starring Mickey
Rooney, were highlighted during the evening. Gregory Keeler,
WSKG’s host for the broadcast,
invited Kassan to their Vestal studios for an on-air discussion about
Serling’s work and legacy.
The BCSD’s “Fifth Dimension”
program was featured as well as
Anne Serling’s new book about her
father.
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Trip to the Big
Apple
The Binghamton High School
Music Department took a trip to
New York City in May to visit
the Metropolitan Museum of Art
and to enjoy a performance of
the Broadway musical, "Annie."
Fine Arts
Steel band performs at BOCES,
Hartwick College, Thomas Jefferson
School & Montrose Theatre
Earlier this year, the Binghamton High School “Juice Blenders” steel
band, under the direction of Joel Smales, presented a concert for students at Broome-Tioga BOCES (see photos below). The host students
got to hear music from the Caribbean, learn about the history of the
drums and see up close how the drums make sound. A great dance
celebration ensued during the concert.
The Binghamton HS Juice Blenders Steel Drum Band
performed an assembly for the students at Thomas
Jefferson Elem. School on April 30.
Pictured right: Members
of the Binghamton High
School Juice Blenders
Steel Drum Band pose for
a photograph outside the
Montrose Theatre following a concert performance
before a standing-roomonly crowd.
Members of the Binghamton HS Juice Blenders Steel Drum Band, under the direction of BHS director of bands Joel Smales, performed in
concert with the Hartwick College Chorale in their Annual Spring Concert in March.
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Fine Arts
Video Fest has a great showing
This year’s Rod Serling Video Festival received more than 100 entries,
with Binghamton High School being
well represented.
Among the
winners were
BHS sophomore Genevieve Mecklenborg (a
student in Jean
Klein’s Media
Arts class),
who won best
music video for her entry entitled “Cancer,” and freshman Peter Stewart, who won honorable mention for his
very funny video “Lil Rocky.”
Artists visit HS music program
The Binghamton HS music program was honored
to have two guest artists
visit as a result of funding
made available through
the BOCES' Arts-inEducation Program.
The famed percussion
duo LOOP 2.4.3 spent
a day with students in
rehearsals, lessons, workshop and concert performing their high velocity music and working with students in improvisational settings. Harpist Mary-
Anne Meyer, a professional artist from Philadelphia treated
students to a concert/workshop on the intricacies of the
harp as used in
professional
orchestras.
Submissions this year came from as far away as Tacoma,
Wash., and British Columbia.
Grant provides schools with 20 ukuleles
Music teachers Maggie Gallagher and Genie Johnston recently co-wrote
a successful grant application to DonorsChoose.org seeking funding to
provide 20 ukuleles for music students at Calvin Coolidge and Benjamin
Franklin elementary schools.
As a result, all fourth- and fifth-grade students now have the opportunity
to play a musical instrument in school. In addition to learning a musical
instrument, students also learn about world culture, collaboration, music
composition and performance. Student ukulele players from both Gallagher’s and Johnston’s
classes were featured
Zach Frew (left) and
Karson Walter.
in the spring concert.
34
Pictured (l-r): Back - Trinity Trumbach, Nora
Coppola, Camryn Skinner, Zoey Myers, Ryan Bogart.
Front - Karson Walter, Hasan Wakefield, Keiarrah
McCray, Paul Castner.
Fine Arts
Music teachers issue award
WMS NYSSMA Jazz Band
Kathryn Dura, a BHS junior, was awarded
2nd place in the Southern Tier Music Teachers
Association's (STMTA) recent music competition at Binghamton University for her solo
oboe performance. Kathryn performed one of
her solos for the STMTA recital on March 24.
WMS band concert awards
Pictured (l-r)- Reilly Atkinson, clarinet and tenor sax, John Phillip
Sousa Band Award recipient; Melanie Valencia, director of grade 6
concert band, grade 7-8 symphonic band, and grade 6-8 stage band
and small ensembles; and Liam Lynch, percussionist, Louis Armstrong Jazz Band Award recipient.
BC Educators Association Fest.
Solo/Ensemble Flute Choir
Pictured (l-r): Binghamton High School students Dillon Eggleston,
Amber Donahue, Ariel Donlin, Ashley Donahue, Merlin Joseph, and
Kathryn Dura performed in the Broome County Music Educators
Association Festival I Honors Band at Binghamton University on
Feb. 22 - 23. Students from schools throughout Broome County were
selected based on auditions.
35
Board of Education
Binghamton City School District
164 Hawley Street, P.O. Box 2126
Binghamton, NY 13902-2126
Maura B. Kammerman, president
Valerie J. Hampton, vice president
Christina Archie-Brown
Carl Cohen
Sandra Garufy
David V. Hawley
Thomas Scanlon
Non-Profit
Organization
U.S. Postage
Paid
Binghamton, NY
Permit No. 36
Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Marion H. Martinez
Editing & Layout/Design
Broome-Tioga BOCES
Office of Communications & Development
Visit us at www.binghamtonschools.org
Pre-K registration
Binghamton High School
2013 Graduation
Video order form
Registrations are being accepted
for the Binghamton City School
District’s pre-K program, starting in September 2013. This is
free to children in the City of
Binghamton who will be 4 years
old on or before December 1,
2013. There are also limited spots
available for 3-year-olds.
The Rod Serling Video Festival will make available for purchase DVD copies of the Binghamton High School graduation
ceremony at the Broome County Veteran’s Memorial Arena on
June 23. To order your copy, please fill out the form below. Your
DVD will be mailed directly to the address you provide on the form
so please print legibly. The cost of the video is $25, which includes
shipping and handling.
We accept checks or money orders only (Please, no cash.)
Make checks payable to: The Rod Serling Video Festival
For additional information, please contact Larry Kassan at (607) 762-8202 or director@RodSerlingVideoFest.com.
Name_______________________________________
Address_____________________________________
City_____________________State___________Zip ________
Phone_______________
Please send _______ Graduation DVD(s) @ $25 ea. TOTAL:
Mail order form with payment to:
The Rod Serling Video Festival
Binghamton City School District
31 Main Street
Binghamton, NY 13905
Attn: Larry Kassan
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$_________
For more information,
call 762-8197