Grand Island Central School District

Excellence in Education • Keeping you Informed
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Grand Island Central School District
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www.k12.ginet.org
GIHS DECA
Dominates
Regionals
The Community Newsletter for the Grand Island Central School District
Thank you, Grand Island
For Your Continued Support
A Message from Your Board of
Education President, Dave Goris
Juniors Sam Clarke and Orendael
Miller place third in the hospitality
services team event and are heading to
the NYS DECA Conference.
Grand Island High School’s Business
Club, DECA, boasts 53 winners at
the Region 12 Competition held on
January 8 at Lewiston Porter High
School. These 86 students make up
the largest Grand Island group to
ever compete at the local level and
the largest amount to qualify for the
state level. DECA is a co-curricular club at
Grand Island which prepares students
for the demands of the workforce.
The competitive event areas in
DECA range from Marketing
Management and Accounting to
Hospitality and Tourism, with over
thirty other business related events.
Many students take a 100 question
test and then compete in an authentic
role-play situation with local business
leaders. This year, over 650 students
competed from 15 schools in Western
New York.
The Board of Education would like to thank the members of the
Facilities Committee and Grand Island community as well as the
teachers, staff and administrators for their active participation in the
capital project planning, and all who exercised their right to vote on
the two propositions on December 20, 2011.
Both propositions passed overwhelmingly. We appreciate the trust
you have put in us to deliver a quality project that will allow the
Grand Island Central School District to continue to provide an
excellent education for our students.
Dave Goris
Board of Education President
We will engage the community as plans for these projects develop.
Please check the District website for ongoing meeting times and regular updates on the project
status. If you have any questions or concerns, we can be reached at boe@k12.ginet.org.
Thank you,
David Goris
President – Grand Island Board of Education
Please Note Calendar Changes:
• There will be no school for students in grades Pre-K through 12 on April 30.
• There will be no school for students in grades Pre-K through 8 on May 7.
High school students will attend regular classes on this day.
Faculty will be scoring NYS Assessments on these days.
Winter 2012
Thank You for Your Service!
Thank you retirees for your outstanding service, dedication and commitment
to our students, staff and community. Best wishes to a long and healthy retirement!
GISBA Sponsors
Casey’s Corner - GIHS Bookstore
Cellular Connection Moorehead Communications
Christine Learman CPA PC
Karen S. Karmazin, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent of
Curriculum & Instruction
12 Years of Service
Fuccillo Chevrolet
Grand Island Administrative &
Supervisory Council
Grand Island Auto Tech Inc.
Grand Island Rotary Club
Grand Island Teachers Association
M&T Bank
Lorraine Ingrasci
Assistant Superintendent for
Finance & Support Services
8 Years of Service
Niagara Frontier Publications:
Island Dispatch, Grand Island
PennySaver, Lewiston-Porter Sentinel,
and Niagara-Wheatfield Tribune
Rainbow Collision
River Oaks
Rhino Tee’s
Say Cheese Pizza
The Keller Group
The Legend Group/Jim Miller
Toshiba
Town of Grand Island Elected Officials
Thank you for your
continued support!
2
Bruce Benson
Veronica E. Connor
Middle School Principal
15 Years of Service
“I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to serve the
District, community, and students. I am grateful for the
friends I have made and the extraordinary leadership
I have encountered from administrators to teachers to
staff. I would like to wish everyone - Board members,
administration, faculty, staff, students, and the entire
community all the best as we continue to embrace academic
excellence, the attributes of respect and responsibility for all
while we maintain our high ranking as a “Top Ten” school
district in Western New York.”
“Thanks to all of you for the opportunities for professional
and personal development that you have provided me over
the years along with the many friendships that I will take
with me when I leave. I have enjoyed working for the
Grand Island Schools and appreciate the support provided
me during my tenure with the district. It was my privilege
to have worked with so many remarkable people. I am
grateful for the friends I have made and would like to wish
everyone all the best as they continue their quest toward
academic excellence.”
“The position of middle school principal was my dream job
when I was selected for that role 15 years ago. I have been
blessed to work in a community that values a well rounded
education for its students. I have had the opportunity to
work with a dedicated and conscientious faculty and staff
who always put students first, and gifted students who
care about others as demonstrated by the thousands of
dollars they have raised for various charities. To paraphrase
Marv Levy’s quote, ‘there is no place I would rather have
been for the last 15 years than right here.’ Thanks for the
memories!”
“Because I knew you, I have been changed for good…” (from the musical-Wicked)
Thank You, SRPs!
In recognition of School Related Professionals (SRP) Day on November 15, 2011 the
SRP Union gave all union members a koozie for their continued professionalism and
work ethic. Currently there are 232 members that are considered SRPs. Members include
secretaries, custodians, cleaners, teacher aides, hall monitors, cafeteria aides, bus drivers,
food service workers, microcomputer techs, mechanics and nurses. They are all a vital
part of the Grand Island School District. Great Job Grand Island SRPs!
www.k12.ginet.org
Concert Choir Performs
at Winter Conference
Grand Island High School
Al Ripley, the executive director of the Erie County Music Educators Association, invited
the Grand Island Concert Choir to present a choral session for Erie county music educators
at their annual Winter Conference. The conference was held on January 29 at the Buffalo
Convention Center and was a wonderful opportunity to showcase Grand Island Schools.
The intended presentation was Teaching Music Literacy Through Literature. In addition
Doreen Rao, the conductor of the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus used the group as the
demonstration choir for her session.
Fuccillo Gives HUGE Check to
Viking Vision
Jason Smith, internet sales manager for
Fuccillo Chevrolet, presented a check
to Viking Vision advisor, Mark Gorton,
senior Seth Carey, and class of 2011
graduates Jay Corrao and Brennan
Carey, for their efforts in recording and
editing four 30-second commercials.
The commercials are featured under videos on the Fuccillo Chevrolet website at
www.fuccillochevrolet.com.
“This was a great opportunity for the students to learn all the facets of video production
required to make these commercials possible. It provided experience in videotaping, audio
operation and digital editing,” states Gorton. “The donation has helped fund a new boom
microphone which is used during production of Viking Vision News as well as other
commercials and video productions.”
Viking Vision News is a program produced by Grand Island High School students three
times a week. The program is played continuously in Grand Island High School’s Viking
Mall and can also be found on www.schooltube.com/channel/grandislandhsvikingvision.
FORCC Outreach Efforts
Pictured from left to right in back row: Christina Kensey
(FORCC advisor), Kourtney Hoppel, Dave Smaczniak
(WNYCC), Karli Deuser, Rochelle Cataffo, Maggie DeMarco,
Alex Miller, Kelsey Percival, Dominic Zannin. Front row:
Jacob Sweeney, Bri Gibney, Brittany Little, Nancy Maisano
(WNYCC), Peter Simon (WNYCC).
Students from the Friends of
Rachel/Character Council
(FORCC) and the Principal’s
Advisory Council recently
attended a quarterly meeting
of the Western New York
Character Council. Bri Gibney
gave a presentation highlighting
the community outreach and
fundraising efforts the group
has performed over the past
two years. These efforts include
“Love the Bus” - recognizing the
dedication and commitment of
drivers who bring our students
to school safely everyday,
TECH WARS
Grand Island High School placed 1st overall
at the 2012 Tech Wars competition held
annually at Niagara County Community
College (NCCC). Tech Wars is a technology
based engineering competition where
students compete in multiple project-based
events. Congratulations to the Grand Island
team for a job well done!
Architechtural Design: 2nd Place
1. Jessica Hall
2. Lindsay Morano
3-D Cad Drop-Off:
1. 1st place - Greg Vannorman
2. 2nd Place - Andrew Hannah
3. Honorable Mention Shannon McDonough
Hockey Robotics: 1,2,3 Finish
1. Frank Derubes
2. Brian Allinger
3. Harrison Thompson, Josh Bastian
3-D Onsite Parametric Modeling:
1. 9-10 grade
2. 3rd place Andrew Hannah
(Grade 9-10)
3. 3rd Place Kris Komin (Grade 11-12)
Heavy Weight Sumo: 1st Place
1. Mike Fitzgerald
2. Tom Grenke
Kind Wind Wind Generation Event: 2nd Place
1. Shannon Boreali
2. Tyler Smith
Vex Robotics: 2nd Place
1. Kyle Meyer
2. Matt Beauchamp
Seismic Tower: 1st Place
1. CJ Fadel
2. Alex Ahne
3. Paul Arida
Bridge Building Large Scale:
1st, 2nd Place
1. Brendon Lutnick, Nathalie Winder,
Bob Rennels 995 lbs.
(New Tech Wars Record!)
2. Joe Guenther, Manraj Grewal,
Elliott Bush 960 lbs.
(continued on page 4)
www.k12.ginet.org
3
Grand Island High School
GIHS Winter
College Night
Series
Grand Island High School counseling
department’s Winter College Night
Series is pleased to present:
College Panel Night:
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
@ 6:30 pm
This presentation will serve as a
follow-up to our February College
Information Night. For those students
and parents wishing for greater insight
into the world of college admissions,
this program will provide direct access
to college representatives. Admissions
personnel from local institutions,
such as Canisius College, University
at Buffalo and others will facilitate
breakout sessions, sit on a panel, and
answer your specific questions about
the college application process.
(FORCC Outreach article
continued from page 3)
“GI Gratitude Packages” - personal
care items, magazines and candy were
sent to two service members from the
Grand Island high school family who
are currently serving overseas, and our
continuing support of “Honor Flight
Buffalo.” The mission of the FORCC and the
Western New York Character Council
is to “enrich the understanding of
the benefits of good character and to
facilitate the continual development
of character excellence for citizens
throughout our community of
Western New York.”
4
Understanding Graduation Requirements
One of the best ways to guide your child toward academic success is to stay informed of
what your child is taking in school and what the graduation requirements are. We encourage
parents to familiarize themselves with the information presented on this page. Knowing and
understanding graduation requirements can help ease some of the confusion often associated
with academic planning.
GIHS Graduation Requirements:
Graduates will earn a Regents Diploma or Regents with Advanced Designation Diploma
(in some cases, an IEP or Local Diploma)
Regents Diploma
Required Courses
# of
units
Regents Diploma w/
Advanced Designation
Required Courses
# of
units
English
4
English
4
Social Studies
4
Social Studies
4
Math
3
Math
3
Science
3
Science
3
Foreign Language
1
Foreign Language*+
3
Art/Music
1
Art/Music
1
Health
.5
Health
.5
Physical Education
2
Physical Education
2
Electives
3.5
Electives
1.5
Total
22
Total
22
Required Exams
(Passing score of 65 and above)
Required Exams
(Passing score of 65 and above)
Comprehensive English
Comprehensive English
Integrated Algebra
Integrated Algebra
Regents Global Studies
Geometry AND Algebra 2/Trig
Regents U.S. History
Regents Global Studies
One Regents Science
Regents U.S. History
TWO Regents Science
Local Foreign Language
* Students with 5 credits in Art, Music, or Career & Technical Education may be exempt from the
second language requirement.
+Students who have been identified by the Committee on Special Education may be eligible for
modification of this requirement.
Remember: High School Graduation Requirements DO NOT
EQUAL College Admissions Requirements!
It is important to note that MOST four year colleges require 4 units of math, 4 units of science,
3-4 units of foreign language, and a computer-related elective course. Thus, it is crucial that
you encourage your students to aim high and take challenging courses!
www.k12.ginet.org
Jerry Parisi Serves as
Principal at VCMS
Veronica E. Connor Middle School
The Grand Island Board of Education is pleased
to announce the appointment of Jerry Parisi as
principal of Veronica E. Connor Middle School.
Following the recent retirement of Bruce Benson,
who served as middle school principal for the past
15 years, a search committee was formed and a
comprehensive screening process was conducted to
ensure the selected candidate possessed the instructional
and academic background suited to meet the high
standards of Grand Island Central School District.
“Mr. Parisi demonstrates strong leadership qualities and has proven his commitment to our
students through his role as assistant principal in the high school,” states superintendent
Robert Christmann. “We began with over 100 candidates interested in this vacancy.
Throughout the process, Mr. Parisi demonstrated the intellect, vision, strength of character,
trust and willingness to listen. His priority to increase the level of academic outcomes for
students was noted by all groups”.
Parisi has served as Grand Island High School assistant principal since July 2009. Prior
experience includes serving eight years as a school counselor at Maryvale High School,
one year as a teacher at West Seneca West High School, and six months as a teacher at
Baker Road Alternative High School. Parisi holds a master’s degree in School Counseling
and a master’s degree in Educational Administration from the University at Buffalo.
“I’m honored to continue my service as middle school principal here in the Grand Island
community,” Parisi says. “I’m eager to work with the middle school students and staff as
we continue to develop the skills necessary for the 21st century.”
Parent Portal Opening Soon!
The Infinite Campus Parent Portal is a web based tool that provides parents/guardians
access to timely and secure information about their child’s academic progress and school
records. The Parent Portal will be open this March for parents of middle school students.
Important information and instructions regarding access were mailed home with the last
middle school report card. More information can be found on the District website.
Important Dates for
VCMS Families
Please be aware of the following dates for your planning purposes:
JFK “Staycation”
Coming This
February Break
Don’t worry about your options for
childcare this February break. At the
Just for Kids Break Camp, kids gain
unique experiences, make new friends
and discover new talents while working
with caring, mature staff.
“Staycation” will run from February
21st – 24th from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Each day features a unique theme,
from an African Safari to an Arctic
Adventure, and Hawaiian Luau to a
Rainforest Retreat. Kids will learn
about each exotic location from the
comfort of Veronica Connor Middle
School each day.
To keep the morning routine easy for
parents, the program includes a cold
breakfast, hot lunch and a healthy
snack, and includes all program
materials. We look forward to
meeting your child this winter break!
For additional information, please
call Just for Kids at (716)639-8500.
The Just for Kids program was
developed by a team of educators and
is directed by a school psychologist.
Most site staff members are certified
teachers while others bring expertise
in fine arts, creative writing, sports
and much more. Participants attend
“Kids College” events with our
community partners, benefiting from
guest speakers, as well as “Kids Care”
activities, where they learn to be
community-minded.
• VCMS Musical (Willy Wonka, Jr.): March 26-28, 2012
• Spring Recess: April 5-15, 2012
• 6 – 8th Grade ELA State Assessments: April 17-19, 2012
• 6 – 8th Grade Math State Assessments: April 25-27, 2012
• No School - Superintendent’s Conference Day: April 30 and May 7, 2012
• 8th Grade Science State Assessments: May 23-June 4, 2012
www.k12.ginet.org
5
Kaegebein Elementary
Music
Students to
Perform at
All-County
Festivals
Regional Reflections Winners
Reflections is a national Parent Teacher
Association (PTA) program that
encourages participation in the arts.
The Niagara Region PTA consists of
16 school districts (including Grand
Island) and 37 units in Niagara, Orleans,
and Northern Erie County. “Diversity
Means…” was this year’s theme. The
Niagara Region PTA Reflections’ results
have been released. Congratulations to
the following Kaegebein School students
who received awards at the regional PTA
competition level:
FIRST PLACE:
• Photography: Primary - Katelyn Giambra
• Visual Art: Intermediate - Sydney Mazur
• Dance: Intermediate - Caitlin Kleinschmidt
• Literature: Intermediate - Jack Faso
All County representatives from left to
right: Laura Schultz, Hannah Cool,
Lauren Baeumler and Ryan Wellence
On January 11, the Erie County Music
Educators Association announced
the members of the 2012 All-County
Elementary Band and Orchestra. The Elementary All-County Concerts
will be held on Saturday, March 10
at Kleinhans Music Hall. Kaegebein
Elementary School is proud to have
four students who have received
All-County honors. They are: Lauren Baeumler - flute (band),
Hannah Cool - trumpet (band), and
Ryan Wellence - timpani (orchestra). In addition, Laura Schultz was selected
as an alternate for the alto saxophone
section. The Kaegebein Elementary
Bands are very proud to have these
four outstanding students serve as
representatives at the All-County
Festival.
THIRD PLACE:
• Photography: Intermediate Benjamin DeFranks
• Visual Art: Intermediate Emily Kwiecinski
HONORABLE MENTION:
SECOND PLACE:
• Visual Art: Primary - Graham Zorich
• Literature: Primary - Kaylee Boyle
• Literature: Intermediate - Haylee Kuhn
• Music: Intermediate - Joy VanderMey
• Film Production: Intermediate Ryan Wellence
Katelyn Giambra, Sydney Mazur, Caitlin
Kleinschmidt, and Jack Faso’s first place
winning entries will advance to the
New York State PTA level competition.
The state level judging results will be
released in mid-March.
Kaegebein Students Receive
High Marks At Solo Festival
On January 7, 37 instrumental music students from Kaegebein Elementary School
participated in the Erie County Music Educators Association Solo Festival. This prestigious
event was held at Depew Schools. Every student from Kaegebein received either an “A”
or an “A+” rating! Congratulations to the Kaegebein Music Program for your outstanding
efforts.
6
www.k12.ginet.org
Las Vegas Magician
Presents Math Magic
On January 9, Huth Road Elementary
students were treated to an assembly full
of math and magic. Magician Christian
Augustine amazed the students with fun
tricks and showed them there is more to
math than numbers. He demonstrated,
through magic, how math applies to our
everyday lives. During the show he gave
clues as to how math makes some of
the tricks work, then he challenged the
students to figure out some of his tricks
and email him if they do. His final trick included a floating table. Christian Augustine has
visited schools all over the United States performing 800-900 shows per year.
Anti-Bullying Assembly Teaches
Students to Believe in Themselves
In November, Huth Road Elementary students
were treated to an assembly full of music, dancing
and fireflies all delivering the message “I Believe In Me!”
Local musician and entertainer Kevin McCarthy
performed popular songs while encouraging
students to sing along, move and remember that
the first step to combating bullying is to start with
believing in yourself. Students were entertained
with songs from popular artists that all speak of having a positive outlook, having confidence,
daring to dream, being your best and living healthy. A highlight of the program was the light
show that simulated “fireflies” falling from the ceiling.
Kevin has been a performer in Western New York for over two decades and is a 2009
inductee of the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame. Over the past few years he has developed
several character education programs for schools that focus on self esteem, bullying,
living healthy and setting positive goals.
Huth Road Elementary
A Flurry of
Good Deeds
During the holiday season, students
at Huth Road Elementary were
reminded of the real meaning and
importance of the holidays. Students
heard announcements reminding
them to always think of others and to
perform good deeds each and every
day. All classroom teachers received
snowflakes that their students could
write and record either a good deed
that they performed or a good deed that
they saw another student do. Students
handed in their snowflakes to the office.
Each day, Principal Nowak would
randomly pick a few good deeds to
read over the morning announcements.
The snowflakes were then posted on a
large bulletin board in the hallway for
all to see. Our snowflake flurries soon
turned into a blizzard as more and more
students shared in the true meaning of
the season. Way to go!
Channel 2 Meteorologist Visits
Huth Road Elementary
Andy Parker, meteorologist from Channel 2 News, brought his weather station
materials to Huth Road Elementary for a demonstration to our 5th grade students.
The 5th grade students took a hands-on approach to this interactive presentation
as they helped to create wind, lightning, static electricity, and clouds.
Meteorologist Parker also demonstrated for the students how lake effect snow
occurs in Buffalo, Cleveland, and on Grand Island, itself!
All of the students were actively engaged in the presentation and left with many
insights on how weather develops, is predicted, and how it occurs.
www.k12.ginet.org
7
Sidway Elementary
UPK Update
Our education centers provide an
excellent program for four-year
old preschool children within our
community. As a group, the program
services 43 children adhering to a
New York State Education Department
approved pre-kindergarten curriculum.
The program requires attendance five
days per week, two and one-half hours
per day, and follows the Grand Island
school calendar for non-attendance
days.
As we progress into spring, the District
will be organizing the program for
the 2012-2013 school year. Parents of
age-eligible children will be contacted
by the district with preliminary
information. In addition, information
will be posted on our website.
UPK is a grant funded program
which is dependent on state aid.
The amount of aid extended to our
district will be the determining factor
on the number of students served.
If you are a new family to the district,
or have a child who will be entering
kindergarten in the 2013-2014 school
year, please contact the District Office
at 773-8800 (ext. 0) between the
hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to set up
an appointment for District registration.
This will ensure your family will
receive notices regarding the UPK
program.
Slide into Reading
Despite the late afternoon snowy
weather on January 19, over 100
UPK and Kindergarten students
and their families attended “Slide
into Reading.” At this reading
event, everyone enjoyed listening
to the story, The Jacket I Wear in
the Snow read by teacher Karolyn
Ivancie. Several students assisted
during a second reading of the
story by dressing up in the many
items of clothing that the character wears in the snow. Parents and students then traveled
to classrooms to learn two important reading strategies that were tons of fun and can be
replicated at home. Every student went home with a copy of the book, thanks to the Sidway
Parent Teacher Association (PTA). It was a fun evening for all!
Enjoy Your Sidway Day the Healthy Way
The Health and Wellness
Committee at Sidway Elementary
School worked hard to create a
day to educate students on keeping
their minds and bodies healthy.
Students traveled to three centers to
learn about healthy habits. School
nurse Marian Farrell instructed
the students on deep breathing
techniques and even wrote her own
story about students using deep
breathing to help calm their fears or anxieties about school. Kitchen staff Lisa Kaufmann,
Maury Cohen and Cindy Lambert taught the students how to make healthy choices in the
dining room. Many choices such as fruits, vegetables, grains and “junk food” were shown
and students learned which were good for our bodies. They also learned that healthy foods
help our brains to work better too. Physical education teacher Brian Willats and parent/
physical education teacher Amanda Martinez shared many activities and materials that are
available in the fitness room. Teachers are encouraged to sign out the fitness room for a
twenty minute recess, especially during the winter months when students are not able to
go to the playground. Sidway students learned a great deal about healthy habits!
The Happy Circus
Kindergarten students at Sidway Elementary
School were entertained by “The Happy Circus”
presented by the Merry Go Round Theater on
January 26. The actors presented workshops in
the classrooms before performing for the entire
class. Students were chosen to play the parts of
the circus performers. The Merry Go Round
Theater returned February 1 to perform for the
first grade students. Thank you to the Sidway PTA
for bringing this opportunity to our Sidway students each year!
8
www.k12.ginet.org
K-12 “Artist
of the Month”
Each year, the Grand Island Central School District art department recognizes many top artistic achievers with the “K-12 Artist of
the Month” award. Presented to ten students annually, the award highlights the varied accomplishments and achievements of district
students who excel artistically and who creatively solve problems by using a wide variety of media to express and find their own
unique artistic voices.
September Artist of the Month
Samantha Krause, an accelerated eighth grade art student, is currently enrolled in the Studio In Art
class. Samantha is a talented young artist who applies herself fully to each assignment. While gifted in
a variety of media, Samantha is particularly fluent when she’s drawing and painting; using her canvas to
express her own unique artistic voice and vision. Says Samantha; “I like art because I get to express my
feelings in drawing and painting. Drawing and painting is my hobby not because it is fun, but because
it is something to release all my feeling into.” Samantha cites Masashi Kishimoto, a manga/anime artist
as an inspiration and particular favorite. She also receives inspiration from her friends and from people
who have purchased her work.
Samantha sees art as always being an important part of her future. Career plans include becoming an art
teacher and a singer when she’s older. Samantha’s art teacher cites her talent, positive attitude and work
ethic as reasons that this student was selected as a recipient of this award.
October Artist of the Month
Senior Marshall Cancilla was recognized as Artist of the Month for October.
Marshall describes his experience as an aspiring artist; “My Dad always told me that I
have loved to draw and paint ever since I was three. Of course my talent has grown over
the years with the unforgettable help of the wonderful art teachers and classes at GIHS.
Taking private art classes from Patrick Sean Daley further developed my skill, technique
and portfolio. I really think that I have developed a realistic style to my art, and it is my
favorite way of working. Lately, I have been influenced by [the artist] William Harnett.”
November Artist of the Month
Sean Tuohy is a fifth grade student at Kaegebein Elementary School. He loves to draw
and feels he gets better with each project. Sean enjoys working with clay and creating
cartoons. When asked which art projects he is most proud of, Sean said a lily pad that
he created with Mr. Doherty and an Asian warrior he created with Mrs. Incao. The art
department wishes Sean continued success in all his artistic endeavors.
December Artist of the Month
Elisabeth Lupp is a fifth grade student at Huth Road Elementary School. She is a
member of the after school Art Club and has been drawing since she was very
young. Elisabeth takes pride in her work which is always done with careful
craftsmanship. She enjoys working three-dimensionally in clay the best, although
she is very talented in a variety of art materials. Elisabeth likes to doodle at home
and favors portraits and realistic art. Her very talented aunts inspire her to do her best.
www.k12.ginet.org
9
Graffiti is
Vandalism
Graffiti is an expensive vandalism
problem. The costs to deal with it
include employee time to remove it,
paint over it or replace the sign or
other item when the graffiti cannot
be removed. When traffic signs are
tagged, dangerous situations can
result because drivers cannot
properly see the sign. If you have
any information regarding graffiti
tags please call 911 or the Island
Tipline 775-8696, where you can
make an anonymous report. Please help stop this vandalism.
Be Cautious
with Head
Injuries
Head injuries,
whether at home
or school, may have
serious implications
and should not be
taken lightly no
matter how minor
the injury may
appear. A minor blow to the head,
face or jaw, even if a person does not
blackout, may result in a concussion.
Head injuries may have long term,
harmful effects and any person who
has suffered head trauma should be
properly evaluated by a doctor.
For more information regarding
head inuries, please consult your
health care provider.
10
Sex Offenders
Residing in Grand Island
Grand Island Central School District’s utmost concern is to keep our students safe.
Providing accurate, timely information to our parents, families and residents will assist
with maintaining a safe environment for our children and our community.
The following information is provided for your awareness within our community.
These postings were published on the New York State Division of Criminal Justice
Services website. To view complete details regarding local sex offenders living in
Grand Island, visit www.criminaljustice.state.ny.us.
Local Sex Offenders
Name: Richard Agee
Name: Andrew Beyer
Name: Jeffrey Copp
Residence:
79 Old Carriage Road,
Grand Island, NY 14072
Residence:
1992 Fix Road,
Grand Island, NY 14072
Residence:
195 Laurie Lane,
Grand Island, NY 14072
Risk Level: 3
Risk Level: 2
Risk Level: 2
Name: Richard Gray
Name: Jayson Scritchfield
Name: Andrew Sonberg
Residence:
2030 Town Hall Terrace Apt 5,
Grand Island, NY 14072
Residence:
171 Colonial Drive,
Grand Island, NY 14072
Residence:
2183 Bedell Road Apt. 10,
Grand Island, NY 14072
Risk Level: 3
Risk Level: 2
Risk Level: 2
There are three levels, based upon an offender’s risk of committing another
sex crime and harm to the community:
• Level 1 (low risk of repeat offense)
• Level 2 (moderate risk of repeat offense)
• Level 3 (high risk of repeat offense and a threat to public safety exists)
www.k12.ginet.org
Capital Project Post Vote Survey
Thank you for taking the time to complete
this survey. We appreciate your feedback
concerning your decision as the polls on
December 20, 2011. The information you
provide will help us to better serve you, our
residents, and our students. As a reminder
and for your convenience, the following is a
summary of the propositions.
Proposition 1, at a total cost of approximately
$47 million, will focus on addressing health
and safety issues, maintaining and restoring
1. Do you feel the Board of Education provided
a fair and reasonable Capital Project?
m Yes
m No
2. How did you vote on Proposition 1?
m Yes, in favor
m No, opposed
3. I voted YES for Proposition 1
because…(check all that apply)
m It will improve the quality of
education here on Grand Island
m It will improve the value of my
property here on Grand Island
m It will benefit my child/other students
m I believe in investing in education
m I am satisfied with the school district
and education in general
m Other (please specify):_____________
________________________________
4. I voted NO for Proposition 1
because…(check all that apply)
m I am concerned about my taxes
m It will not benefit my child/other students
m I feel the scope of the work is
unnecessary
m I’m dissatisfied with the school
district and education in general
m Other (please specify):_____________
________________________________
5. How did you vote on Proposition 2?
m Yes, in favor
m No, opposed
6. I voted YES for Proposition 2
because…(check all that apply)
m It will improve the quality of
education here on Grand Island
m It will improve the value of my property
here on Grand Island
m It will benefit my child/other students
m I believe in investing in education
m The proposed tax increase
was acceptable
m Other (please specify):_____________
________________________________
www.k12.ginet.org
our facilities to continue their service to our
community, and improving the academics for
students especially in science and technology
areas. Each of our schools will receive
improvements based on their individual need as
well as direct input from students, staff, parents
and community members. Proposition 1 will
have no increased tax impact to residents.
This proposition will be paid for through a
combination of state financial aid and the
district’s capital project reserve fund.
7. I voted NO for Proposition 2 because…
(check all that apply)
m The projected tax increase was not
acceptable
m It will not benefit my child/other students
m I feel the scope of the work is
unnecessary
m I’m dissatisfied with the school
district and education in general
m Other (please specify):_____________
________________________________
8. Is this the first time you voted in a
Grand Island Central School District vote?
m Yes
m No
9. Do you feel you had adequate
information about the proposed
Capital Project vote?
m Yes, I received enough information
m No, I did not have adequate
information
10.Do you feel you had sufficient
opportunity to comment on the
proposed Capital Project?
m Yes
m No
11.Where did you get your information
(check all that apply)?
m The U.S. Mail
m District
m Email: E-news Announcements
m Facebook
m Lobby Boards in School Buildings
m PTA Flyer Sent Home with
my Student
m District Faculty/Staff Member
m PTA Meeting
m School Board Meeting
m Town Board Meeting
m Facilities Committee Meeting
m Faculty Meeting
m Public/Community forum
m www.isledegrande.com
Proposition 2, at a total cost of approximately
$4.6 million, will focus on affording our
students and the community a state-of-the-art
athletic field and auditorium. Proposition 2
will have a 2/10 of 1 percent tax increase to
residents.
m Island Dispatch
m Niagara Gazette
m The Buffalo News
m Word of Mouth
m Brochure (please specify where you
picked it up in the other field below)
m Other:___________________________
________________________________
12.Do you prefer to receive school news
from somewhere other than the mediums
listed in the previous question?
m Yes
m No
If Yes, please specify_________________ _
________________________________
13.Please check your age group.
m 18-19 m 20-30 m 31-50
m 51-64 m 65+
14.Please check all that apply to you.
m I am a parent/guardian of a current
GICSD student (specify building in
other field below)
m I am a parent/guardian of a former
GICSD student
m I am a parent/guardian of a current
student attending a private and/or
off Island school
m I am a resident with no children
m I am a resident with children not
yet enrolled in a school program
(younger than pre-K)
m I am a GICSD student
m I am a GICSD alumnus
m I am a GISCD faculty/staff member
m I am not a Grand Island resident
m Other (please specify)
15.What ideas do you have regarding the
12/2011 Capital Project Vote that could
help us meet the needs of our students
and community?______________________
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Grand Island
Non-profit Org
US Postage
PAID
Central School District
Permit No. 8
Grand Island, N.Y.
1100 Ransom Road • Grand Island, NY 14072
www.k12.ginet.org
Board of Education
David Goris, President
Tak Nobumoto, Vice President
Glenn Bobeck
Emily Ciraolo
Joan Droit
Paul Krull
Donna Tomkins
Resident
Superintendent
Robert W. Christmann
Excellence in Education • Our Bridge to the Future
NOTICES
Corporate Bowl Attention Residents with Children Ages
Don’t Miss the Action!
The 14th annual Corporate Bowl
will be held on March 13 and 20
in the Grand Island High School
Auditorium beginning at 6 p.m.
both nights. Corporate Bowl,
presented in cooperation with the
Grand Island School & Business
Alliance (GISBA), is an academic
challenge where Grand Island High
School teams compete for scholarship
awards through several rounds of
competition. The fast-paced questioning
creates an exciting mood as teams rush
to “buzz in” with the correct answer.
Don’t miss the action!
Newborn Through 5 Years of Age
To effectively plan for the 2012-2013 school year, we would like to know how many
children reside on Grand Island, who are eligible for kindergarten enrollment in
September, 2012. Any child who will reach their 5th birthday on or before
December 1, 2012 is eligible to attend kindergarten next school year.
Please call the District Office at 773-8800 (ext. 0) between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
and give your name, your child’s name child’s date of birth, address and telephone number.
At the time of registration you will need to bring proof of residency, immunization records,
an original birth certificate and custody papers if applicable.
We ask that you call even if you do not plan on sending your child to kindergarten next year
or plan on sending your child to a private or parochial school. This information will assist
our transportation department, as well as our state and federal funding.
Now Accepting Nominations
The Distinguished Alumni Committee is seeking nominations for its Distinguished Alumni
Award winners to be presented in Spring, 2012. If you know someone whom you believe
deserves this honor, please complete a nomination form and help us recognize worthy
candidates. Nomination forms can be found by visiting the district website at
www.k12.ginet.org. – district – community information – Grand Island Foundation.
www.k12.ginet.org
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