Public Hearing May 12 at 7 pm - Johnson City Central Schools

Wildcat Pride
Johnson City Central School District
May 2015
Educational Excellence for a Changing Tomorrow
About this budget - by District Superintendent Mary Kay Frys
For the past two years, Johnson City Schools has
been identified as one of the fifty most underfunded school districts in New York state. With
Gap Elimination Adjustments over the past six
years totaling over $8.9 million, the district had
lost critical funding from the state needed to
maintain programs to support our students in
becoming college and career ready.
Another challenge this year was creating the
2015-2016 school budget without essential
state aid details from the state. For months we
were putting together a jigsaw puzzle with key
pieces missing. Governor Cuomo would not
release state aid runs to schools without passage of his ethics and education reform agenda.
These aid runs significantly help every district
put together a fiscally responsible budget while
meeting the needs of their students. However,
based on the little information he was able to
share with school districts, we began to plan
around a flat budget and the formula for the
property tax freeze.
Budget snapshot
Total Budget
Budget Increase
Total Tax Levy
Levy Increase
$50,516,653
3.10%
$24,764,238
1.25%
To be responsible during this tight budget planning, the district enacted a spending freeze on
all non-emergency purchases and carefully assessed open positions throughout the district.
The decision was made based on need, includSee ‘Superintendent’s Message,’ page 4
Public Hearing May 12 at 7 p.m.
Where to vote:
Vote May 19, noon to 8 p.m. Who can vote:
JC High School
666 Reynolds Rd.
locations - page 28
registration - page 28
Proud
to be
JC
Proposition
How does the tax levy work?
Question: What is a “tax levy limit?” Isn’t it
called a “cap?”
Answer: For school districts, the “tax levy limit” is the highest allowable tax levy (before exemptions) that a school district can propose as part of its annual budget, which will
require approval of a simple majority (more than 50 percent of voters.) Last year New York state enacted a law that
suggests that school districts must keep their tax levy at or
below 2 percent in order to be within the law. That is not
true. The law does not hold school districts to a 2 percent
“cap” of their tax levy. Each school district’s tax levy limit
is determined by a complicated eight-step calculation. The
legislation does not place a limit on any taxes a school district would levy to pay for expenditures related to specific
“exempt” items, including some court orders, some pension
costs and local capital expenditures.
Therefore, some schools will have a tax levy limit at or below 2 percent, but some will have a tax levy limit above 2
percent. Essentially, the “tax levy limit” sets a threshold requiring districts to obtain a higher level of community support for a proposed tax levy above a certain amount. Any
proposed tax levy amount above a district’s allowable limit
will require budget approval by a super majority (60 percent
or more) of voters.
Question: How is the “tax levy limit” determined for school districts?
Answer: The law dictates an eight-step formula that each
school district must use to calculate its individual “tax levy
limit.” In particular, the calculation adjusts a district’s tax
levy to reflect growth in the local tax base (if any) and the
rate of inflation, or 2 percent, whichever is lower. Tax levy
limits are calculated by each district and will vary by district.
Question: Does the law take into account that
some expenses are currently outside a district’s
control?
Answer: Yes. Taxes that school districts levy to pay for certain expenses are exempt from the tax levy limit calculation.
In other words, after a school district calculates its tax levy
limit, it then applies these exemptions to that amount. This
allows the district to propose a tax levy greater than the
amount set by the limit without triggering the need for approval by 60 percent of voters. These exemptions include:
2
voter-approved local capital expenditures; increases in the
state-mandated employer contribution rates for teacher
and employee pensions that exceed two percentage points;
court orders/judgments resulting from tort actions of any
amount that exceeds 5 percent of a district’s current levy.
Tax certioraris, however, are not exempt. These exemptions
seem to indicate an acknowledgement among lawmakers
that schools have no ability to simply limit cost increases in
these areas to the rate of inflation. As a result, a district’s final tax levy (after the levies for these exemptions are added
in) could be greater than its published tax levy limit and yet
still be considered, under the law, within that limit.
Question: What is the difference between tax
levy and tax rate and how do they impact my tax
bill?
Answer: To understand the answer to this question, it is
important to know the difference between the terms tax
levy and tax rate. Tax levy is the amount required to fund
a school district’s operations. Tax levy is only one factor in
the calculation of an individual’s property tax bill. Tax rate is
determined by the tax levy, the assessed value of a property
and the equalization rate set by the town. In May residents
vote to adopt a budget with an estimated tax levy. In August, the board of education adopts a resolution to officially
set the tax levy. It is also important to know that the new
law applies to the tax levy, not to tax rates or individual tax
bills. In addition, the law does not impose a universal 2 percent cap on taxes—or any other specific amount. The law
does require a greater number of voters to approve a budget that exceeds a school district’s individual tax levy limit,
as calculated by a complex formula. There are several factors that dictate how an individual’s school tax bill is calculated after a school district sets the final tax levy—none of
which are within the district’s control. Tax bills continue to
be calculated by using a property’s assessed value (as determined by the local town assessor), and the tax rate—or
the amount paid in taxes per $1,000 of assessed value. Tax
rates are not solely determined by the tax levy approved by
voters; they are often adjusted by the state using equalization rates, which are designed to equally distribute the tax
burden across municipalities within a district. Tax bills can
also be affected by STAR or other exemptions for which individual taxpayers may qualify.
Effective September 1, school taxes will
be collected by the County.
www. jcschools.com
Tax report card
PROPOSITION NO. 1
(1) Three 66-passenger buses, at a maximum
cost of $115,150 each.
(b) That a tax is hereby voted therefore in the
aggregate sum of not to exceed $345,450
to be levied and collection in annual
installments in such amounts as may be
determined by the Board of Education.
(c) That in anticipation of said tax, bonds of
the School District are hereby authorized
to be issued in the aggragate principal
sum of $345,450 and a tax is hereby voted
to pay the principal and interest on said
bonds as the same shall become due and
payable.
Ten-Year Budget Summary
BUDGET
$38,402,647
$40,583,917
$42,957,690
$44,347,552
$45,670,693
$45,889,046
$46,224,506
$47,884,380
$48,997,625
$50,516,653
www. jcschools.com
2014-15
$48,997,625
Total General Fund Budget
2015-16
$50,516,653
Percentage Increase
(a) That the Board of Education of the Johnson
City Central School District, Broome
County, New York, is hereby authorized
to purchase and to expend therefore,
including costs incidental thereto and the
financing thereof, an amount not to exceed
the estimated maximum cost of $345,450
for the following vehicles:
YEAR
2006-07
2007-08
2008-09
2009-10
2010-11
2011-12
2012-13
2013-14
2014-15
2015-16 (proposed)
Total General Fund Budget
% BUDGET
3.40%
5.68%
5.85%
3.24%
2.98%
0.48%
0.73%
3.60%
2.32%
3.10%
3.10%
Tax Levy
2014-15
$24,458,481
Estimated Tax Levy
2015-16
$24,764,238
Percentage Increase
1.25%
Increase in Consumer Price Index
1.62%
Estimated enrollment
2015-16
2,586
Did You Know?
• The Johnson City School district has 30 regular bus runs that run four times daily. In addition, there are nine specialized runs (BOCES
placements, special education placements,
and parochial schools) in small buses and suburbans. • Our transportation fleet includes 38 large passenger buses, three smaller passenger buses
and four SUV vehicles used for midday runs
and special runs. (Three large buses and two
small buses are wheelchair accessible.)
• Our D.O.T. approval rating was 95 percent in
2013-2014. An excellent rating is considered
to be 90 percent or higher. • Our buses traveled 423,042 miles during the
2013-2014 school year.
• In an effort to minimize miles and save on fuel
consumption between runs, we park our buses at various locations instead of driving back
to the transportation complex.
• The district replaces buses on a yearly basis
to comply with the Department of Transportation. The goal of the district is to use buses
on an approximate 10 year life cycle. 3
Program budget
‘Superintendent’s Message,’ from page 1
ing class size, to not fill 16.5 positions that had opened due to resignations and retirements. This savings
totaled just under $500,000.
FUNCTION OR ACCOUNT
Library and Audio/Visual
DESCRIPTION
Library and A-V Salaries, Library Books, Supplies and Services
2014-15
$272,260
2015-16
$222,243
CHANGE
-$50,017
When the budget deal was finally made between the Governor and the legislators, Johnson City was
the fortunate recipient of an aid increase of 8.29 percent. This additional aid has allowed the district to
restore funding to identified expense areas and allows the district to have less reliance on appropriated
fund balance to support the budget.
Teaching
Curriculum Development, Teacher Salaries, Textbooks, Supplies, Contracted
Services, Support Staff and Substitutes
Middle School and High School Guidance Program Salaries, Supplies and Services
$18,950,247
$20,621,691
$1,671,443
$416,870
$435,977
$19,107
$274,502
$275,233
$731
Psychological Services
Salaries for Registered Nurses and Physician Services to Students, Supplies and
Services
Salaries, Supplies and Services for Students
$186,890
$182,884
-$4,006
Social Worker Services
Cocurricular Activities
Salaries, Supplies and Services for Students
Salaries, Supplies and Services to Support Student Clubs and Activities
$182,770
$116,760
$175,032
$119,739
-$7,738
$2,979
Interscholastic Athletics
Salaries, Supplies and Services to Support Girls and Boys Athletic Teams
$824,120
$787,299
-$36,821
Transportation
Bus Driver and Support Staff Salaries, Supplies and Services for Transporting
Students
Retirement, Social Security, Health and Dental Insurance
$1,929,395
$1,895,301
-$34,094
$12,328,296
$12,538,106
$209,810
$70,000
$71,500
$1,500
$35,552,110
$37,325,003
$1,772,893
2015-2016
$2,996,484
$20,000
$956,735
$4,454,194
$100,000
$8,527,412
CHANGE
-$356,844
$0
-$55,686
-$169,452
$100,000
-$481,983
As a result, the district is able to present to the public a budget with a 1.25 percent increase in the tax
levy. This budget meets the two goals set by the Board of Education for the upcoming school year: to
provide and preserve programs that meet our district vision of educational excellence for all our students, and to propose to the public a budget that is fiscally responsible and strategic in the long range.
“This budget meets the two goals set by the Board of Education
for the upcoming school year: to provide and preserve programs
that meet our district vision of educational excellence for all our
students, and to propose to the public a budget that is fiscally
responsible and strategic in the long range.”
Guidance
Health Services
Employee Benefits
Other Transfers
TOTAL PROGRAM
Proposed budget for the 2015-16 school year
Capital budget
FUNCTION OR ACCOUNT
Operation and Plant Maintenance
Refund of Taxes
Employee Benefits
Debt Service
Other Transfers
TOTAL CAPITAL
Shall the Board of Education be authorized to appropriate the sum of $50,516,653 to meet the estimated expenditures for the 2015-16 school year?
Three-part budget
2014-2015
Administrative
Program
Capital
TOTAL:
$4,436,120
$35,552,110
$9,009,395
$48,997,625
2015-2016
$4,664,238
$37,325,003
$8,527,412
$50,516,653
Administrative budget
FUNCTION OR ACCOUNT
Board of Education
Chief School Administrator
Finance
Staff
Central Services
Special Items
Administration-Instruction
Employee Benefits
TOTAL ADMINISTRATIVE
4
CHANGE
$228,118
$1,772,893
-$481,983
$1,519,028
Estimated revenues
Our district receives money from
several sources. These sources are:
Other Income: This category includes
any income received by the district
other than state aid, fund balance
or the tax levy. Examples of these
items are interest from investments,
charges for services and Medicaid
reimbursements.
DESCRIPTION
School Board Association Memberships and Conferences, Election Supplies and
Services
Superintendent’s and Clerical Salaries, Supplies and Contracted Service Costs
Business Office Salaries and Services, Auditing Services, Tax Collector’s Supplies
Legal Costs, Personnel Office, Supplies and Services, Public Information Supplies
and Services
Cost for Copy Paper, Postage for District, BOCES Costs for Financial, Report Card
Services, Salaries, Supplies and Services for Computer Services Department
Insurance Costs, Tax Refunds, BOCES Administrative Costs
2014-2015
$14,857
2015-2016
$17,210
CHANGE
$2,353
$224,660
$456,783
$226,850
$227,493
$688,560
$220,854
$2,833
$231,777
-$5,996
$104,936
$108,192
$3,256
State Aid: This year (2015-16) we expect to receive a total of $23,419,484
in aid.
$517,065
$505,185
-$11,880
Appropriated Fund Balance/Reserves:
We will apply $860,092.
Curriculum Development Salaries, Supplies, Staff Development Services,
Principals, Assistant Principals and Support Staff Salaries, Supplies, Testing and
Service Costs
Retirement, Social Security, Health, Dental
$1,555,618
$1,604,339
$48,721
$1,335,351
$1,292,405
-$42,946
$4,436,120
$4,664,238
$228,118
www. jcschools.com
Tax Levy: This is the amount we need
from our local taxpayers to support
our budget. For our 2015-16 budget,
we are projecting a $305,757 increase
in taxes that represents a 1.25 percent
increase from last year.
www. jcschools.com
State Aid
2014-2015
$3,353,328
$20,000
$1,012,421
$4,623,646
$0
$9,009,395
2015-16 Revenue Projection
Appropriated Fund
Balance/Reserves
Estimated revenues
CATEGORY
Other Income
State Aid
Fund Balance
Tax Levy
TOTAL:
ESTIMATED REVENUE
2014-2015
$1,507,549
$22,126,595
$905,000
$24,458,481
$48,997,625
Local Taxes & STAR
Miscellaneous Revenue
ESTIMATED REVENUE
2015-2016
$1,472,839
$23,419,484
$860,092
$24,764,238
$50,516,653
DIFFERENCE
CHANGE
-$34,710
$1,292,889
-$44,908
$305,757
$1,519,028
This is a description of the major components of our estimated revenues, compared to last year.
Please note that these are our best estimates and could require adjustments after the district
receives more definitive information from the state.
5
Meet our board candidate
One seat on the Board of Education will expire on June 30, 2015. The seat is a fiveyear term commencing July 1, 2015, and ending June 30, 2020, to fill the expiring
term of board trustee Susan B. Capone.
Jeannette Farr
My name is Jeannette Farr and I am running as a candidate for the position of a school
board member for the Johnson City Central School District. My husband is a graduate of
the district, and I have lived in Johnson City for the past 19 years. I have been the owner
of a hair salon business in JC for the past 16 years. I have daughters in fourth and sixth
grade at the school and have volunteered weekly in my daughter’s classrooms for the
past seven years.
K-8 School celebrates Culture Night 2015
More than 250 parents, community members, students and staff attended the Johnson City K-8 School to check out ‘Culture Night 2015’ in March.
The event celebrates the school’s multicultural diversity and featured K-12 students and families representing their own
cultures with free ethnic food samples, games, music, traditional clothing and maps. Countries represented ranged from
Haiti, Honduras and Puerto Rico, to Iraq, Scandinavia and Yemen.
“We wanted to highlight and celebrate the many cultures of JC students and their families,” said JC PTO President Stacy
Smith. “We asked families to create displays about their cultural/ethnic heritage. Some families also cook up some traditional foods for people to taste and wear traditional clothing from their home land.”
The event, now in its second year, is made possible through the collaboration of the Johnson City PTO and the school district’s English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers in an effort to promote different cultures in our community.
I was the president of the Johnson City PTO for two years and have served on the primary, intermediate, and middle school site-based committees in addition to subbing as
an aide at the K-8 school.
These experiences have provided me a vast perspective of our school and community. I love our kids and anything
I can do to make a difference in their lives for our future is time well spent. I look forward to the opportunity to
serve on the school board if elected.
District receives large donation of books
by Michelle Feyerabend, director of academic coaching
Thousands of books have arrived on our doorstep! Penguin Books in Kirkwood
is closing its doors in June and, in an effort to show their appreciation for the
patronage of their business over the years to our community, are sending thousands of books (at no charge) to school districts in our region.
Photo left: Third-grade student Alisa Kadylak (center) and her younger sisters show off traditional Ukrainian clothing. Middle: Students
Dana Al Kuisi (left) and Dezheen Avdel (center) help display the Kurdish flag. Right: Students Juwan Haji, Heve Haji and Avan Haji.
Johnson City welcomes new staff
What does this mean for Johnson City School District? We have been sorting
thousands of books for students in kindergarten through 12th grade and have received dozens of books from such famous authors as Eric Carle, Jan Brett, Tomie
DePaolo and Roald Dahl. Many of our children’s favorite series are also represented, including “Cam Jansen,” “Harry the Horrible,” “Max and Ruby” and “Froggy.”
Older students have many choices of popular fiction and non-fiction books on a
variety of topics.
Andrea Hankey joins the staff
of the Johnson City ElementaryMiddle School (K-2) as a school
social worker. She is a graduate of
the University of Scranton with a
bachelor’s degree in psychology
and a master’s degree in reading
education. Andrea also received
her master of social work degree
from Binghamton University. She
completed her practicum experiences at Jennie F. Snapp
Middle School in the Union-Endicott district and at United
Health Services. Andrea comes from the Binghamton City
School District, where she was a school social worker at
East and West Middle Schools and at Benjamin Franklin
Elementary School. She has also worked at Lourdes Hospital as a program supervisor for the detention alternative after-school program, site coordinator for summer
evening youth program, and facilitator for their Family
and Schools Together program. In addition, Andrea was a
big sister for the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Northeastern
Pennsylvania in Scranton, along with other volunteer and
work experience.
These books are being sorted and delivered to each of the buildings where we
will organize them for our classrooms and our bookrooms. In the primary building, we will be refreshing the selections for our young students. We will have
dozens of new guided reading books (sets of the same book based on the reading level of students), browsing bins for students focused on a theme or favorite
author and beautiful hardcover books for read-alouds and independent reading.
At the middle and high school, these books will be available to students to borrow for independent reading and will be housed right in the classrooms so that
students can have easy access to them.
A portion of the books will also be made available for the district’s summer bookmobile program.
We are grateful to Penguin Books for their generosity and commitment to our
schools. What a great opportunity for every Wildcat!
6
www. jcschools.com
www. jcschools.com
Samuel Bligen III joins the staff at
the Johnson City Elementary-Middle
School (3-5) as a school social worker
(substitute). Originally from Harlem,
Samuel is a graduate of SUNY Oswego with a bachelor’s degree in public
justice, liberal arts and science. He is
pursuing his Master of Social Work at
Binghamton University. This school
year, Samuel has been an intern with
the Promise Zone program at the high school. In addition,
he is a graduate assistant counselor at the Binghamton University Career Development Center. Previously, Samuel was
a child case worker in Syracuse, foster care social work intern at the Children’s Home of Wyoming Conference Close
to Home program, therapy aide at Oswego Mental Health
Behavioral Services, and a youth court intern at the Oswego
County Youth Bureau. He has had many community involvements, including being a coach for the Oswego YMCA youth
male basketball team and also as a mentor for the high school
dance team, Lyve Fusion.
7
Primary School Messageby Principal Dan Erickson
On behalf of the Johnson
City Primary School staff, I
would like to thank you for
the opportunity to work
with your child. The staff
at the primary school is
dedicated to helping every
student grow, and this enthusiastic team possesses a solid dedication to the teaching profession
and strives to support our students in every way.
We have a strong curriculum and utilize researchbased instructional practices intended to meet
the needs of each individual child.
Research has determined that parent involvement
is one of the keys to a child’s success in school. I
encourage all parents to become actively involved
in your child’s learning process. Open communication with your child’s teacher is extremely important and helps your child be successful. If you ever
have any questions or concerns, please do not
hesitate to contact your child’s teacher. There are
countless ways you can help . . . read nightly, talk
about school each day (ie: ask them about their
favorite part of their day, etc,), check backpacks,
and provide support with homework. By working
together, we can help our children succeed.
Please join us for our monthly student assemblies,
which are held in the cafeteria. The assemblies are
a great way to recognize and celebrate individual
students as well as classrooms for their achievements. Children love the attention and interest in
what they are doing, and it provides positive reinforcement for them. Individual classrooms also
perform a short presentation or skit. Our next assemblies will take place on Friday, May 1 and Friday, June 5. It would be great to see you there.
Reading activity helps build
comprehension
K-2 students participate in afterschool science program
Did you ever wonder why ‘all the
king’s horses and all the king’s
men couldn’t put Humpty together again?’ And what was
Humpty doing on a wall in the first
place? During a recent primary school
assembly, Assistant Principal Tracy
D’Arpino read Daniel Kirk’s “Humpty Dumpty” to the students.
The story answers these questions and highlights the actions
of two very different characters.
Seventy-three Johnson City K-2 students signed up to participate in the five-week program. Each Thursday, POP sets up
different science stations in the K-8 cafeteria, providing the students the opportunity to rotate between the different areas and learn about science through hands-on activities. Topics have ranged from learning about heat and cold, electrical
charge, and pressure and flow, to electricity, magnetism and motion, and forces and energy.
Second-grade teacher Nancy Ramirez coordinated a fun after-school science enrichment program this spring involving
Binghamton University’s Physics Outreach Program – better known as “POP.”
“The little guys need exposure to science,” said Ramirez, who expressed gratitude to the teachers and parents who volunteer each week, ensuring all students have a fun and educational experience.
Binghamton University’s POP program visits local organizations and classrooms to educate and make science fun and accessible to all.
As a challenge, each class then created their own Character
Quilt. This community-building activity let children explore
their strengths and helped bridge an important reading comprehension skill, making inferences about character traits, to
real life examples.
Sharing program ensures all
students have access to books
In its continuing efforts to promote literacy, the elementary
library created a “share shelf” this school year. The idea of the
share shelf is to provide an opportunity for every child to have
a book to check out on the day their class visits the library. The
library share shelf is stocked with books thanks to a $150 donation provided by Johnson City’s High School National Honor
Society, with additional books provided through staff donations.
Previously, students could not sign out a book until they returned or paid for a book that was overdue or lost. Now, every
child has the choice to check out books at the library.
First-graders learn about different habitats
The first-grade classes took part in a ‘science-switch’ activity in
March to learn about different habitats around the world. Students rotated from classroom to classroom in 15-minute intervals
to learn about the Arctic, oceans, the savannah, rainforests and
freshwater habitats. The children participated in fun activities
that included drawing animals related to specific habitats, watching videos and singing songs.
1st-grade tea
cher Dave Barvinch
ak
I would like to thank each family for the support
that is given to our school. I am proud to be the
principal at the primary school and look forward
to working in collaboration with our staff, students
and community the remainder of the year. If you
have questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate
to contact our office at 763-1243 or email me at
drerickson@jcschools.stier.org
8
www. jcschools.com
www. jcschools.com
9
Transportation
Daycare before or after school
Intermediate School Messageby Principal Margaret Kucko
A big theme that has been
an important part of our
school this year is our
Positive Behavior Intervention and Support program
(PBIS). It is known to our
students and staff as “Wildcat ROAR.” ROAR stands for respect, organization,
achievement, and responsibility. We recognize our
students who display these characteristics throughout our building and buses every school day. Students may receive a ROAR ticket from any adult
when caught demonstrating positive behaviors. At
our February assembly, we announced that nearly
10,000 tickets were given to our students by staff.
Students get the opportunity to celebrate this by
having a day of recognition, a school community
event for all. As the year continues, we hope to
reach 100,000 tickets, which will represent how
important respect, organization, achievement, and
responsibility are in our school.
In February, our school came together as a Wildcat
community to play a part in the fundraising efforts
that supported the A2A basketball game to benefit
one of our 4th-grade students. Our efforts added
several hundred dollars to the event and we were
proud to play a part and sat together as a team at
the game. Better luck next year elementary staff
basketball players!
The month of March highlights music in our schools
and some of our 5th-grade orchestra and chorus
members participated in BCMEA. We were also
lucky enough to have members of the high school’s
production of “Mary Poppins” perform a few musical selections at our March assembly. Thank you
to Tia Dimitriou (Mary Poppins), Christopher Bunt
(Bert), 5th-grade student Norah Ford (Jane Banks),
and 4th-grade student Hayden Travis (Michael
Banks). They were amazing and it was wonderful
to see our own talented students in such important
roles.
The intermediate school Wildcats are a community
of respectful, caring and very talented students and
adults.
10
Bus drivers and
monitors wanted
The Johnson City Transportation Department is looking for
bus drivers and monitors. CDL
training is available. If interested, call 763-1249.
When requesting different transportation for your child before or after school, an alternate site form is required. An alternate site form must be submitted in advance and be within the Johnson City School District. Each child must have their own form on file. You may submit them to the transportation office or at the office of the school your child attends. After submitting the request, you can either call transportation or wait to be contacted with bus information. Reminder: A form is required each new school year and must be submitted before August when possible. Any questions, please call transportation @ 763‐1249 or 763‐1250. **Forms are available on the JC school website (transportation page), the transportation office or grade level office. Have a safe and happy summer, Louis Castellucci, Director of Transportation / Grounds OFFICE USE ONLY : ***BUS# AM ___________STOP______________________________________________TIME____________________ PM ___________STOP______________________________________________TIME____________________ 2015‐2016 JOHNSON CITY ELEMENTARY / MIDDLE / HIGH SCHOOL 666 Reynolds Road ‐ Transportation Johnson City, New York 13790 ALTERNATE SITE AND AUTHORIZATION FORM STUDENTS IN THE CARE OF A CHILD SITTER / HOME DAYCARE As the parent(s) or legal guardian (s) of ___________________________________GRADE____________________ We hereby request and authorize the above‐named child be transported to the following residence: CHILD SITTER / SITE NAME________________________________________________________________________ STREET ADDRESS________________________________________________________________________________ Transportation Notice
Going to a sitter’s home
Alternate site forms are used for the purpose of
requesting transportation when a child goes to a sitter within the Johnson City School District with an
address different than the child’s home address. The
forms must be submitted to the grade-level office of
your child’s school in advance of transportation needs.
Please complete one form for each child and return
them before the end of August.
To access the form from the district website, click on
Departments>Business & Operations>Transportation.
For printed form, see following page
www. jcschools.com
CITY (Must be within the JC district )_________________________________________________________________ BUS TRANSPORT IN THE AM___ PM___ DAYS OF THE WEEK M TU W TH F SITTER PHONE______________________PARENT PHONE_________________________ REQUESTED START DATE___________________________ **Any changes to this request need to be pre‐approved. ** Furthermore, we agree that the Johnson City Central School District shall in no way be liable for the safety and care of the above named child once delivered to the bus stop designated for the residence identified above and we hereby release the Johnson City Central School District and its agents and employees from any and all responsibility for injuries or damages that might be sustained by the above‐named child once said child is delivered to the designated bus stop. NAME OF PARENT (PLEASE PRINT)__________________________________SIGNATURE________________________________ OR LEGAL GUARDIAN (S) _________________________________________HOME PHONE______________________________ CHILD’S LEGAL RESIDENCE__________________________________________________________________________________ RESIDENCE OF PARENT(S) /LEGAL GUARDIAN (S)________________________________________________________________ EMERGENCY PERSON TO CONTACT_________________________________PHONE____________________________________ GRADE LEVEL SCHOOL CHILD ATTENDS: K‐2 3‐5 6‐8 9‐12 CIRCLE ONE ~ A NEW FORM BY PARENT / GUARDIAN IS NEEDED EACH NEW SCHOOL YEAR ~ www. jcschools.com
11
Fourth-graders learn how to Zumba
Eighth-grade teacher designated as ‘Top Cat’
Approximately 30 fourth-graders
signed up this spring to take part in
a six-week program with Binghamton University students, learning
about the benefits of exercise and
good nutrition. Students from the
BU science program began meeting
the fourth-graders each Thursday
in March at the K-8 school teaching
them how to Zumba as well as sharing helpful tips for staying healthy.
The young Wildcats have had fun
dancing, jumping, spinning and
clapping to the beat.
This school year, middle school staff members have anonymously nominated fellow staff who they believe go above and beyond the call of duty, from exhibiting
exemplary teaching and pride, to showing teamwork and compassion for others.
Each month, the nominees are received and a survey is created with the names of
the nominees removed. Staff are then asked to make a selection based on what is
written about the individual.
The winner is revealed at the following faculty meeting and provided with a gift
certificate from Food and Fire and custody of the much-coveted “stuffed Wildcat”
for one month.
We congratulate eighth-grade science teacher Nichole Hantsch as the Top Cat for
the month of March. Here’s what one of her anonymous colleagues had to say:
“This Top Cat has helped her team tremendously over the last few weeks! She
has helped design a program that lets students get caught up academically with
teachers. She organized this program, spending many of her own personal hours
for the benefit of struggling students and time-restricted staff members. She
goes above and beyond with her willingness and generosity to help and provided strong support to both students and staff during this highly stressful time
of year.”
Middle School Message- by Principal Joe Guccia
Welcome to the middle school’s new column. I’m
excited to have another opportunity to keep middle school parents and all district residents up to
date on current events at Johnson City Middle
School. We are in the process of preparing for
the final academic quarter and the many exciting
happenings that occur before students leave us
for the summer, but there have been several recent noteworthy events that were of importance
to our building. First, several of our middle school students and their
families participated in the PTO Culture Night on Thursday, March 5. It
was great to see our students filled with pride as they shared history,
customs, food, and their personal experiences with their homeland. On
March 12, our 8th-grade students enrolled in our honors science course
were in the spotlight at the 8th-grade science fair. The cafeteria was filled
with amazing projects that demonstrated high levels of understanding,
insight and research. The students worked on their individual projects
for several months, and based on the impressive quality on display, their
hard work really paid off. Finally, our 2nd annual JCMS Dodgeball Tournament was held on Wednesday, March 25. This is quickly turning into
one of our most successful student events of the school year. Over 150
middle school students participated in this year’s tournament, and many
of their families and friends turned out to watch the action. The tournament proceeds all go toward offsetting the cost of end-of-year field trips
in 7th and 8th grades.
We also congratulate our other nominees- Laura Conlon and Mark Wilson.
Eighth-grade science teacher and ‘Top
“Laura consistently opens her doors to students who need extra assistance in un- Cat,’ Nichole Hantsch
derstanding difficult concepts. It doesn’t matter if the student is “her” student or
not, this staff member is always ready to give a helping hand. She always has a smile on her face and has the students’
best interests at heart.”
“Mark has helped organize and run our pep rallies for several years now. He has a great sense of humor and always
makes connections with our students. Not only does he contribute to our JC school community, he is single-handedly
keeping the cola company in business with his cola collection.”
Middle school snapshot
Seventh- and eighth-grade students in Amanda Mauro’s middle school class, as well
as some students from the high school’s Community-Based Education program, attended a Binghamton Senators Hockey Game on February 27. “The students had a
wonderful time, and for some, it was their first time attending a professional hockey game,” said Mauro.
Tickets were donated by the Binghamton Senators Team through the DARE Program.
We are looking ahead to a successful end to the 2014-2015 school year,
and I look forward to keeping you informed of the many exciting events
and significant student achievements that occur here at Johnson City
Middle School.
12
www. jcschools.com
www. jcschools.com
13
VISION 2015 PROJECT SCHEDULE
With the winter months behind us and spring in full bloom, we are excited to begin work on Phase II of the Vision 2015 capital project. This portion of the project will provide
much-needed improvements to the high school’s science wing, gymnasium, boys and girls locker rooms and district transportation complex. In addition, the Wildcat Stadium
will see the creation of an entry plaza that includes commemorative brick pavers, an alumni wall, concession stand, restrooms and team rooms. Architectural designs submitted to the New York State Education Department have been approved and Phase II of the project is currently underway. The timeline below provides an estimate of the
various portions of the project taking place through early fall. We anticipate much of the work will be completed by September and October 2015, but these dates are tentative
at this time. We will continue to provide project updates in future newsletters and on our website at www.jcschools.com
PHASE II
Multi-purpose buildings at Wildcat Stadium: restrooms, team rooms, concessions, plaza
Tentative completion early-September
Wildcat Stadium
Entry Plaza
New Information Technology Room
Tentative completion end of June
Transportation complex renovations
Tentative completion early-September
High school boys locker rooms-1st floor upgrades
Tentative completion early-October
High school boys and girls locker rooms-2nd floor upgrades
Tentative completion mid-October
High school science rooms renovations
Tentative completion mid-October
High school gymnasium renovations
Tentative completion early-September
April
2015
May
2015
Jun
2015
Jul
2015
Aug
2015
Sep
2015
Oct
2015
Nov
2015
Dec
2015
Jan
2016
Annual science fairs showcase student talent
February and March were busy months for our science students and teachers. Students spent weeks choosing a project, researching, experimenting, making observations, and
using their creativity to make eye-catching displays for their
school’s science fair.
On February 25, approximately 60 fourth-graders displayed
their science projects for students, staff and parents. Project topics included showing the consistency of quicksand;
the drop rate of rock, paper and scissors; and what happens
when you put a Mentos in a bottle of Coca-Cola? Hint: It’s
messy!
The high school conducted its annual science fair that evening with more than 120 students competing for top honors
in their grade level. Justin Butler, Alizah Kahn, Steven Petrick
and Maddie Lamuraglia won 1st place in their grade level
High School Message- by Principal Kimberly Beukema
with Justin Butler also winning ‘Best in Show’ for his display
showcasing the growth rate of plants using different types
of water.
The trio of science fairs concluded on March 12 with more
than 60 8th-graders displaying their own science projects in
the middle school cafeteria.
Johnson City also had a strong showing at the Science Olympiad, held at Maine Endwell Middle School on February 28.
The event saw middle school students Grace Carter, Kara
Anderson, Ethan Kleitz, David Chilson, Tala Al Kuisi, Kara Anderson and Christian Danek receiving awards for their projects.
Science is alive and well at Johnson City Schools.
Spring has sprung, and the
hope of warmer weather
looms in the air with signs
of summer as the end of
the school year rapidly approaches With all of this
comes the final push to
prepare our students for
end-of-the-year
assessments. The culmination of a year’s worth of
learning all comes together in the form of final
exams, advanced placement tests, and Regents
exams. The urgency of each day of instruction is
even more imperative this final marking period,
so we are asking for your help in bringing your
child to school on time each and every day to assure the best possible outcomes on these exams.
The standard for identifying a student as chronically absent is a student who misses 10 percent
of the school year. With 180 school days in one
school year, 18 absences, or roughly two per
month, is the standard used to deem a student
as “chronic” or roughly two absences per month.
This results in reduced academic performance in
the classroom and on assessments. The impact
of chronic absenteeism goes beyond just that
student; it also makes it harder for teachers to
teach and other students to learn. Students coming back from absences have gaps that teachers
Week 1
Morning
8 a.m.
Afternoon
12 p.m.
Week 2
Morning
8 a.m.
www. jcschools.com
With spring also comes the challenge of suitable
clothing for a school setting. Often what is available for clothing is more appropriate for activities outside of the school day. We are asking for
your help in looking over what your child wears
to school to see whether it is appropriate for
an educational setting or more appropriate to
be worn to the beach, a party, or out-of-school
function. Valuable time in the school day is often
diverted to trying to find a student something to
wear that is more “school appropriate.” Students
and staff cannot stay focused on what is most important at the end of the year: learning.
We all have the common goal of your son or
daughter being academically successful and
achieving their post-graduation goals. Our partnership together is invaluable in making this happen. Please feel free to contact administration,
guidance, or your child’s teacher if we can be of
any help.
2015 AP Exam Schedule
Monday, May 4
Chemistry
Tuesday, May 5
Calculus AB
Calculus BC
Wednesday, May 6 Thursday, May 7
Friday, May 8
English Literature Computer Science A United States
and Composition
History
European History
Monday, May 11
Biology
Tuesday, May 12
United States
Government and
Politics
Wednesday, May 13 Thursday, May 145 Friday, May 156
English Language
and Composition
Afternoon
12 p.m.
Afternoon
2 p.m.
16
must quickly fill, so the student can participate
in that day’s activity while the teacher must still
provide the planned instruction for the day. Students who take advantage of each and every day
of instruction by being in class and on time are
able to maximize their learning outcomes and
performance on internal and external assessments.
www. jcschools.com
Statistics
17
High school students win top prize at BU competition
JC administrator named NYS Principal of the Year
High school students Elijah Maurer, Alyssa Zduniak, James
Fuentes and Jeremy Burdick recently took top honors at
the “Bright Spots” competition
held at Binghamton University.
Their team, called “Lean On Me,”
was among four area school teams
and presented a concept to a panel of judges that promotes helping
one’s own community.
The School Administrators Association of
New York State (SAANYS) has selected Johnson City High School Principal Kimberly Beukema as the New York State High School
Principal of the Year. The award is given annually to a member of SAANYS who has set
the pace, character, and quality of education
for the students in his or her school. Nominees are administrators who are committed
to students, parents and the community and
have shown exceptional contributions to the
educational process.
havior among young students. The program is set to begin
in May with plans for continuing it into the summer.
“Lean On Me” is a mentoring program that will see high school students working with K-8 students
on Saturdays in the high school
cafeteria to assist the younger students with academics and create
time for fun game activities. The
goal is to nurture self-esteem, Johnson City ‘Bright Spots’ Elijah Maurer, Alyssa
Zduniak, James Fuentes and Jeremy Burdick.
good work ethics, and positive be-
The Bright Spots competition, now
in its second year, was created by
Binghamton University students
for President Harvey Stenger’s
Road Map Internship program as
a way for high school students to
engage in college-level thinking
and project design, as well as promoting personal accountability.
We congratulate Elijah, Alyssa,
James and Jeremy for their positive efforts for continuing the
Wildcat tradition of helping our
fellow students.
A2A event raises money for two JC students
The Johnson City High School’s Athletes
2 Athletes (A2A) student organization
held its annual charity basketball game
in the high school gymnasium. The
event was a resounding success with a
near-capacity crowd on hand to watch
the K-8 staff take on the high school
staff. Raffles, door prizes, 50/50, A2A
merchandise, concessions and half
time entertainment was available with
all proceeds aiding two JC families who
have children battling cancer.
Game day was truly a school-wide
event, with students in Jill Martinkovic’s, Meredith Scott’s, Mical Williams’
and Liza Turner’s classes in the primary
and intermediate school organizing
a “Spirit Day” that raised money and
awareness of childhood cancer. Ms.
Martinkovic’s class has been active all
year in supporting their classmate in his
battle against childhood cancer, while
Mrs. Scott’s kindergarteners sported
bright orange T-shirts on February 26
to support their fellow student. Mrs.
Turner’s 5th-graders face painted paws
and ribbons in all of the kindergarten
classes that provided a great opportunity to bring the K-2 and 3-5 buildings
together for a common cause. Grades
3-5 also spent their lunchtime having
18
paws painted on
their faces and buying loom bracelets,
gold ribbons, pencils and other items
to raise money for
the event.
Despite a steady increase in the community’s
poverty rate, graduation rates have continued to rise due to the dedication of the high
school team led by Ms. Beukema, who has
been high school principal for the past four
years. She leads her school in the targeted
use of data to drive student growth at multiple levels. Data is valued and analyzed to
identify and assist students at-risk to develop action plans for Regents-level success and to direct professional learning for
teachers.
“With 67 percent of our students receiving free and reduced lunch, it would be easy for staff to believe that a high school
diploma or educational excellence would be out of reach for many,” said Superintendent Mary Kay Frys. “However, this
belief is non-negotiable for Ms. Beukema…Each year, she ramps up her targets for graduation and closely monitors her
students’ progress. This year, Kim has set 90 percent as her target graduation rate. Is it ambitious? Yes. Do I believe she can
do it? Absolutely.”
A2A, now in its
fourth year, is a
non-profit
organization currently
made up of nine
high school students that was developed with the
LR: Brittany Carpenter, Emily Cluck, Stella Safari, Jake
mission of helping Thompson, Andy Furman, Kaleb Kille, Nikola Cejic, Madison
athletes and com- Lamuraglia and Board of Education President Rocky Martinez.
munities in need. Not pictured: Shane Majewski
As a group, they
have a dream of making a difference to create an anti-bullying awareness
in their community beyond the playing program in the district. To date, A2A
has raised over $20,000. The organifield.
zation is supervised by Johnson City
In 2011, the organization raised money High School business teacher Joseph
to aid two JC children with terminal Schieve and teaching assistant Matillnesses live more comfortable lives. thew Zelesnikar.
The following year, they donated to
the Ronald McDonald House of New To learn more about A2A, visit www.
York and Conquer Chiari in honor of jca2a.com or visit them on Facebook.
a JC student battling Chiari Malforma- Donations can also be made at: tion. Last year’s efforts raised money www.gofundme.com/jca2a
www. jcschools.com
Student success has also flourished due in no small part to Ms. Beukema’s commitment to every student. An example of
this is the “Just Take One” program she implemented at the high school. It asks that each teacher commit to following
one student’s academic progress in all courses. This mentoring includes working with guidance counselors on attendance,
discipline, accountability, and other factors that contribute to overall success. The teaching staff has been happy to follow
Ms. Beukema’s lead. Commented teacher Joanne Matias, “Her love for the students is reflected by her ability to never stop
believing in their ability. Once you work with her you can’t help but carry on her mission for every student to become a
successful learner.”
Ms. Beukema fights for her kids. She has been known to pick students up for school and find others clothing and housing
– supporting students and families in many ways so that all students have a chance at success. Added Assistant Principal
Robert Fauver, “When Ms. Beukema learned of the financial needs of our students … she arranged for staff outings where
the proceeds would benefit students. Fundraisers have been used to buy mattresses for students who slept on the floor
and to pay down the dorm payment fee prior to the students receiving their financial aid awards. Ms. Beukema’s stubbornness is driven by her passion for each student to succeed.”
Ms. Beukema received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a concentration in English, and her masters in
education from the State University of New York College at Cortland, and her certificate of advanced study from the Massachusetts College of the Liberal Arts.
She will be honored for her accomplishments at an awards ceremony on May 8 at the Desmond Hotel and Conference
Center in Albany, New York.
SAANYS represents nearly 7,200 school administrators, supervisors, and coordinators. As a professional association, SAANYS is committed to providing direction, service, and support to the membership in their efforts to improve the quality
of education and leadership in New York state schools. SAANYS is affiliated with the National Association of Elementary
School Principals (NAESP) and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).
www. jcschools.com
19
High school teacher nominated as ‘LifeChanger’
High school special education teacher Joanne Matias was
recently awarded as a nominee of the ‘LifeChanger of the
Year’ award through National Life Group. LifeChanger of the
Year is an annual program that recognizes and rewards K-12
educators and school employees from around the country. A LifeChanger could be a math teacher who stays after
school to tutor struggling students, a guidance counselor
who encourages every student to reach their full potential,
or a custodian who offers encouraging words. The program
aims to honor those who are making a significant difference
in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive
influence and leadership.
Ms. Matias’ gentle guidance and support has shepherded
many of her students to a high school diploma and a changed
outlook on life. Her students face many obstacles outside of
school, but Ms. Matias helps them see past the barriers to
new opportunities and a brighter future. She pursues community grants to offer her students experiences they would
not have otherwise.
“Where does one start when describing Ms. Matias’ contributions to her community? Every day I work with her, I am
in awe of her commitment to her students, her colleagues,
and her family, and her seemingly inexhaustible reserve
of patience and compassion. I have learned so much from
watching her methods and manner. What impresses me
the most is the faith she puts into her students. She builds
trust and relationships over time, not overnight. In order
to do that, you have to have faith that time will bear out
your hard work. That’s not easy when many of us look for
immediate and concrete results. Believing in students who
often seem to have given up on themselves means sometimes carrying a burdensome weight to an unknown destination, but Joanne is happy to take on such challenges.
And all that with a twinkle in her eye! The proof of her
role as a “life changer” is in the many students who have
returned to the high school years after they have graduated, just to see her and express their thanks for believing in
them when no one else did. Often, they bring their children
to meet the lady who changed their life, and Joanne will
typically respond with a humble shake of her head, a tear
in her eye, and a big hug. It’s an inspiration to witness.” Carmen Romaldini, HS Pathways teacher
“Ms. Matias is a great teacher. You helped me out through
the hardest times for me. I want to say ‘thank you’ for all
you have done.” – Cadi Pilipovic, high school student
LifeChanger of the Year is a program funded and run by National Life Group and the National Life Group Foundation.
Guest speaker talks about life experiences, race
Actor, writer, and speaker LeLand Gantt visited the Johnson City High
School in February to perform his one-man show “Rhapsody in Black”
for students and staff. Gantt shared stories about his life, from living
an underprivileged childhood in the ghettos of McKeesport, Pa. to
teenage experiments with crime and drugs to scholastic achievement
and an acting career. The show explores Gantt’s personal journey to
understand and transcend racism in America and spark conversation.
Ski Club hits the slopes of Vermont
The Johnson City
High School’s Promise Zone created a
series of fun “Guys
Night In” events
during the first half
of the school year,
providing students
the opportunity to try their hand at cooking. Under the
guidance of Emily Mallery, a graduate student from Binghamton University who is interning with the JC Promise
Zone, and and the help of Home and Careers teacher Jane
Halladay, a series of cooking events took place over the
course of two months.
This spring, the Johnson City High School Ski Club celebrated its 50th anniversary with an end-of-the-season trip to
Stowe, Vermont, located on Mount Mansfield, the largest
mountain in the state. Twenty-six ski club members went
on the trip and enjoyed the opportunity to visit the Burton
snowboard factory, where several skiers and snowboarders tried out the jib park. Inside the factory, we saw some
of the design studios and Burton’s most historically significant snowboards. On Saturday and Sunday, the club skied
one of the premier ski resorts on the East Coast -- Stowe
Mountain. The weather was fantastic, with forty degree
temperatures on Saturday and bluebird skies on Sunday.
On the trip home, the club stopped for ice cream at the
Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory for one last treat. It was a
trip that will be hard to beat, and we would like to thank
the club officers for all their hard work.
The first event was a breakfast night that taught the students how to cook simple foods. On Mexican Night, everyone learned how to make empanadas and Spanish Rice.
In March, a sushi chef from Binghamton’s own Sake Tumi
visited the high school to prepare sushi and show the students how to make their own sushi. The last event was a
pizza party that included homemade pizza and chicken
wings.
by Eric Adolf, HS art teacher
In addition to learning cooking skills, the students listened
to a different male guest speaker each week who talked
about choosing a life path and overcoming obstacles. This
was followed by a question and answer session.
“We created this program to help gain some positive parent engagement here at the high school,” said Mallery.
“With this whole process, the turnout has been wonderful. Many students find this to be a safe place after school.
With that being said, they get to take home all of the food
they make!”
High school
snapshot
The performance at the high school was followed by an evening show
for the general public at the Schorr Family Firehouse Stage in Johnson
City.
Gantt’s film and television appearances include “Miracle at St. Anna,”
“Requiem for a Dream,” “Malcolm X,” “Presumed Innocent,” “Law
and Order,” “Law and Order SVU,” “J.A.G.,” and HBO’s “The Affair.”
“Rhapsody in Black” was made possible by the Goodwill Theatre in
Johnson City.
LR: Student Elijah Brooks and guest speaker LeLand Gantt.
20
Program promotes positive
parent engagement
www. jcschools.com
Freshman Sam Carter was the recipient of the ‘Donna Lupardo
Award for Innovation in Energy’ in March for his display ‘Drum
Stick Weight Vs. Sound Level’ at the Southern Tier Scholastic Science Fair, held at SUNY Broome. Sam was awarded with a certificate and monetary award.
www. jcschools.com
21
SPORTS
Entry Plaza & Brick Paver Sponsorship Form
Johnson City Wildcat Stadium
C o n g r a t u l a t i o n s B o y s V a r s i t y B a s k e t b a l l Te a m
20’ Brick Paver Location
2 0 14- 15 C e n t r a l D i v i s i o n C h a m p s
Back (lr): Coach Spalik, Dominic Nadz, Nick Chilson, Brandon Halliday, Jake Thompson, Kenneth Johns, Patrick Garey
Front (lr): Andrew Furman, Hector Lopez, Stephen McDonald, Gavin Dyman, Mark Cherrone, La’Darius Thompson
Running standout goes to States
Junior Jean-Woudson Jean-Francois, a runner in Johnson City’s indoor and
outdoor track programs, competed in the NYSPHSAA State Tournament for
indoor track on March 7.
This is Jean-Woudson’s third year as a runner in the Johnson City indoor track
program and his second consecutive trip to the state meet. According to coach
Eric Putman, he has also gone to the state meet for outdoor track.
“He is on the doorstep of various school records and, after his success during
indoor track, he is in prime position to be at the top of Section 4 for outdoor
track this spring,” said Putman.
The cost of brick pavers range from $25 to $500 and vary in size, color and location within the interlocking JC letters. There will
be a plaque proudly displayed in the entry plaza that will list all the names of those who generously donated to the brick paver
project for the $25 bricks. The final placement of all engraved bricks within the design will be done at random and is dependent on
the total number sold when the order is placed. If all bricks are not sold, we will install all orders and continue to offer
sponsorship bricks to those wishing to contribute to the plaza project.
Junior following in sibling’s footsteps
Erin Page, a member of the Girls Varsity Bowling Team, headed to Syracuse
in March to compete in the NYSPHSAA
State bowling tournament. A varsity
team member since 7th grade, Erin is
the first female bowler in eight years to
reach the state level.
Thank you for supporting the Wildcat Stadium Entry Plaza Project.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Erin began bowling for fun when she
was seven and said a love of the sport
runs in the family. Her older brother
Ryan was a varsity member of the
Wildcats team and a WBNG Academic
All-Star in 2014.
22
The Johnson City Central School District invites you to become a lasting part of Wildcat Stadium by sponsoring one of 1052 brick
pavers and having it engraved and placed in the stadium entry plaza. The four different colors and size of bricks will make up the
20’ interlocking JC letters to be placed in the middle of the entry plaza. These pavers will be a permanent symbol of your support
of JC and of the new stadium. The brick pavers are perfect for families, individuals, alumni and classes, athletic teams and local
businesses. There is a sponsorship level for everyone who wishes to take part and have a permanent piece of the new Wildcat
Stadium.
NOTICE: Your engraving must be 1) your name, 2) your family’s name 3) in honor or moratorium of a particular person or family 4) in honor of
a graduating class year, school sports team or school club or 5) the name of a business. Your engraving will be reviewed by and must receive
approval from the JCCSD Facilities Committee prior to its installation. Copies of the committee’s guidelines are available upon request.
www. jcschools.com
ORDER FORM ATTACHED TO NEWSLETTER
www. jcschools.com
23
MUSIC NOTES
JC music teacher gets published Music students perform
The Johnson City Music Department is in BCMEA orchestra
proud to announce fourth-grade music
fect in every wa
r
e
p
y
l
l
a
c
i
t
c
y! ”
“Pra
teacher Amy West has been published.
Amy serves as a contributing author to
“Musicianship-Focused Curriculum and
Assessment,” an in-depth guide to lesson and rehearsal planning that provides
a concise method for aligning music instruction with the new Core Arts Standards while continuing to focus on active
music making.
Congratulations to the cast, stage crew, pit orchestra, director,
choreographer, costume designer, set designers, lighting and sound
engineers and everyone else who supported this year’s musical
production of “Mary Poppins.”
Six students from the 5th- and 6th- grade orchestras auditioned and were accepted into the 5-6 AllCounty BCMEA orchestra this school year. Maggie
Bednar, Brooke Bezek, Liilan Boldiis, Jedidah Jeremiah, Kaylee Wilcox and Zena Yang worked very
hard for many months and on the weekend of the
event in preparation for the February 28 concert at
Binghamton University’s Anderson Center. The students were among 100 area students from around
the county to play in this prestigious student orchestra.
LR: Zena Yang, Maggie Bednar, Jedidah Jeremiah, Brooke
Bezek, Kaylee Wilcox, and Liilan Boldiis
JC ensembles perform at Oakdale Mall
JC jazz ensembles take top honors at festival
The high school’s Jazz I and Jazz II ensembles both captured Gold ratings at the New Hartford Jazz Festival Competition
held in February.
The following students were also recognized for Jazz All-Star awards based on their outstanding performance within each
ensemble at the festival.
Class B Jazz II All-Star Awards: Baritone saxophone- James Fuentes, 1st Trumpet -Jeremy Burdick, 4th trumpet - Michael Rushmer, Bass Trombone - DJ Hendricks, Guitar - Brian Holmes
In March, the middle school and high school orchestras performed at the
Oakdale Mall, treating shoppers to a wide variety of musical selections. The
performances served as part of Music In Our Schools Month, held each year
to advocate the importance of music education for all students. Johson City was
among several area school bands taking part in the annual event.
Class A Jazz I All Star Awards: 2nd Alto saxophone- James Fuentes, 3rd trumpet - Jeremy Burdick, Piano - DJ Hendricks
Congratulations also goes to the Johnson City Jazz I saxophone section for receiving the “Best Saxophone Section” of the
entire festival award and the middle school jazz ensemble for capturing a Silver rating. Students Audree Marburger (2nd
tenor saxophone), Andrea Frew (baritone saxophone), Alan Bixby (2nd trumpet), Lucas Ramondino (3rd trumpet), and Ben
Telfer (drum set), were also recognized for All-Star awards based on their outstanding performance within the ensemble
at the festival.
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www. jcschools.com
www. jcschools.com
25
Alumni News
Peter Nester, Class of 1990
The Johnson City Central School District recently touched
base with Peter Nester, a graduate of the Wildcat Class of
1990. He comes from a long line of JC graduates, including
his mother, various aunts and uncles and paternal grandparents.
Upon graduating from JC, Peter attended Broome Community College before earning his bachelor’s degree in Geology
at SUNY Cortland. In 1999, he obtained a master’s degree in
earth science with his thesis focusing on the “Paleoclimatic
reconstruction of the last 10,000 years of the Great Lakes
by analysis of ancient
lake sediments.”
With a master’s degree under his belt,
he worked from 1999
to 2000 as a geologist
for Exxon in New Orleans before moving
back to upstate New
York. From 2000 to
2003, Peter worked
at the Paleontological Research Institution (better known
as The Museum of
the Earth) in Ithaca
as its webmaster
and educator on the
basics of oil and gas
exploration for the
general public. While
there, he was involved in the discovery and excavation of
the “Hyde Park Mastodon” (now a major display at the museum) and coordinated the research efforts centered on
the 10-foot tall ice age fossil. Peter says his “15 minutes of
fame” involved being featured in the 2003 Discovery Channel program “Mastodon in Your Backyard: The Ultimate
Guide” about the excavation and science behind the mastodon discovery.
Alumni News
“My job for the last seven-plus years at Chevron has involved
looking at data from far below the surface of the earth and
trying to predict where Chevron can safely drill for accumulations of oil and natural gas,” he said. “I grew up looking
at rocks (and fossils contained within) in many backyard
streams in upstate New York, always curious about their
formation. Now I get to do this for my career, and I never
get tired of trying to solve the puzzle of reconstructing the
three-dimensional nature of underground rock layers and
attempting to unlock the natural resources they contain.
As an American expatriate in Southeast
Asia, my family and
I have traveled to
Singapore, Malaysia,
Thailand, and several
islands within the island nation of Indonesia. Being so close,
we hope to take
future trips to Australia, New Zealand,
Vietnam, China and
Japan while we have
the chance.”
While he has traveled
all over the world,
Peter said he always
makes a point of returning to his roots.
“I moved away from
upstate New York
for good in 2003, but have been back at least once every
year since. I greatly cherish my time spent growing up on
the north side, and I know that my education prepared me
for whatever successes I have had in my past and whatever
adventures might possibly await me in the future.”
To join, new members are asked to pay an annual membership fee of $5
that goes toward general expenses, reunion planning, and the JCHS 50-Year
Club Scholarship. Scholarships of $1,000 are given at the Senior Awards
event in June to students who are dedicated to their studies and appreciate
the value of furthering their education and demonstrate potential for success in college and beyond. Each year, the scholarship provides over $8,000
to these deserving students.
To join the 50-Year Club, contact Frank Juodaitis at 607-754-2312
1965 Class Reunion
The Class of 1965 is holding its 50th reunion this August!
When: August 21 - Ice Breaker at the American Legion in Vestal
August 22 - Dinner Dance at the American Legion in Vestal
August 23 - Breakfast (tentative)
If interested in attending, contact Jayne (Baron) Jewett by June 1
@ 227 Hudson Street, Johnson City 13790 or call 607-798-9592
1970s Class Reunion
In 2008, Peter earned his PhD in Earth and Atmospheric
Sciences from Cornell University. His dissertation topic
was entitled “Mountain-building history of the last 20 million years of the central Andes by analysis of sediments in
the Atacama Desert, Chile.” After receiving his degree, he
moved to Houston, Texas to work as a petroleum geologist
for Chevron.
There will be a class reunion for the Johnson City High
School graduating classes of 1970 – 1979 on Saturday,
August 15, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Enjoie Golf
Course, located on West Main St. in Endicott. The cost
will be approximately $25 per person and will include
dinner, a live band and a cash bar. A golf tournament is
planned for the morning of the reunion. Details can be
found on the JCHS Flashback 70’s Facebook page or by
contacting Rob Tronovitch at tronovitchrob@gmail.com
or Darlene Williams Voltz at voltrons6@aol.com
In 2014, Peter said he “took a leap of faith” and moved to
Indonesia with his wife, Elizabeth, and two daughters, Nora
and Clara. He is currently on a multi-year assignment for
Chevron on the Island of Sumatra.
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The Johnson City High School 50-Year alumni organization would like to extend an invitation to Wildcats who graduated 50 or more years ago.
www. jcschools.com
www. jcschools.com
27
Educational Excellence for a Changing Tomorrow
Johnson City Central School District
666 Reynolds Road
Johnson City, NY 13790
www.jcschools.com
NON PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
BINGHAMTON, NY
PERMIT NO. 212
Board of Education
Richard (Rocky) G. Martinez, president
Shannon M. Edmondson, vice president
Nicholas J. Matyas, district clerk
Susan B. Capone
Debra Welsh Clarke
Matthew T. Jablonowski
Ronald J. Zarzycki
CURRENT RESIDENT OR
POSTAL PATRON
ECRWSS
Superintendent of Schools
Mary Kay Frys
Interim Dir. of Admin. and Operations
Steven Deinhardt
Public Hearing: May 12 at 7 p.m. JC High School / Budget Vote: May 19 noon to 8 p.m.
Where to vote - polling locations
To ensure the integrity of voting results,
residents MUST vote at the proper location. For assistance in determining where
to vote, residents with Internet access
can go to the district website (www.jcschools.com) and click on the “business
& operations” link on the left side of the
page, and then the “voting district lookup” link also to the left. A street-by-street
directory of polling locations is then
available.
For those unable to visit our website,
here is a general description of the two
voting districts:
Absentee ballot
District 1 - All residents who reside
south of the railroad tracks. Voting for
this district takes place at The Family
Enrichment Network, 24 Cherry Street.
Eligibility: You may vote in a school district election if you:
-Are a U.S. citizen.
-Are at least 18 years of age.
District 2 - All residents who reside
north of the railroad tracks. Voting
in this district takes place at the high
school, 666 Reynolds Road
-Have been a resident of the
school district for 30 days preceding the election and are registered
to vote.
If you have questions about
your polling location, please call
(607) 763-1238
-Have not been adjudged mentally
incompetent or convicted of a
felony in any state or in federal
district court.
In accordance with State Education Law, section 2018-a, the Johnson City Board
of Education, at a regular meeting Oct. 12, 1999, enacted procedures for district
residents to vote by absentee ballot. Absentee ballot applications can be obtained from our website, www.jcschools.com, or the Office of the District Clerk,
666 Reynolds Road, Johnson City, N.Y., 13790. To receive an application by mail,
requests must be received by the District Clerk or designee no later than seven
(7) days prior to the vote. All absentee ballots must be returned to the District
Clerk or designee no later than 5 p.m. the day of the vote.
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Who can vote
Registration: The district maintains
a permanent voter registration
file. Residents who have voted in
any election within the past four
years need not register each year.
New residents, or those not registered, may do so Wednesday,
May 13, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at
both locations: Johnson City High
School, 666 Reynolds Road, and
the Family Enrichment Network,
24 Cherry Street.
www. jcschools.com