March 2013 - Albion Central School

Highlights
Letter from the Superintendent .............. pg. 2
Empty Bowls............................................ pg. 2
Albion to Host FFA State Convention....... pg. 2
All-County Music..................................... pg. 3
Tech Wars................................................ pg. 3
Cheerleaders Place 2nd.......................... pg. 4
Original Theater Production..................... pg. 4
Parents as Reading Partners Program... pg. 4
Fall 2012 Scholar Athletes....................... pg. 5
Red Cross Scholarship ........................... pg. 6
Seminar on Education............................. pg. 6
The Little Mermaid ................................. pg. 7
C.A.S. “Moving Up” Day .......................... pg. 7
Notes from the Music Dept. ................... pg. 8
Albion Central School
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Volume 28, Number 3
www.albionk12.org
Universal Pre-Kindergarten
2013-2014 Student Registration
• Applications for the UPK program will be available beginning March 15, in the
Albion Elementary School and District Offices.
• All completed applications are due May 1, 2013, by 4 p.m. Deliver application to
district offices.
• Children must be 4 years old on or before Dec. 1, 2013.
• To be eligible, students must reside in the Albion Central School District.
• AM and PM sessions (9 - 11:30 a.m. and 1 - 3:30 p.m.).
• Parents may not choose which session (AM or PM) their child attends.
• Parents will be notified by mail of their child’s status for the Pre-Kindergarten
program.
• There are 80 available slots for students. If there are more than 80 applicants, a
random lottery will take place.
• In the event of the need for a lottery, students not “drawn” will be added to a wait
list and will be contacted if openings occur during the school year.
American Legion Oratorical Contest
Pictured from (l-r) Albion student oratorical competitors - Madyson Coville, Ashley Lewis,
Ali O’Hearn, Allen Sanford, Joyce La Londe and Samantha Dumont.
The 2012 American Legion Oratorical Contest was held at Albion High School on
Nov. 27, 2012. Each participant prepared a speech that was between eight and ten
minutes long concerning the rights and duties of American Citizens as outlined in the
U.S. Constitution. In order to properly prepare their speech, students must research
both the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
At the school level, Joyce La Londe placed first, Allen Sanford placed second,
Samantha Dumont placed third, and Alison O’Hearn placed fourth. Joyce and Allen
advanced and competed at the county-level on Dec. 15, 2012, where Joyce took first
place and Allen took third place. Joyce continued on as our county representative in
the District 8 competition which was held in January 2013 and took third place. The
Oratorical Contest is sponsored by the American Legion Sheret Post #35. The purpose
of the oratorical contest is to give high school students leadership opportunities and
public speaking challenges while learning about and sharing their knowledge of the
United States Constitution.
SCHOOL
COMMUNITY
Albion, NY
March 2013
Kindergarten Registration
Kindergarten registration for the Ronald L. Sodoma Elementary School will be held
on Wed., March 20, 2013, from 9:30 a.m. to noon.
In order for a child to attend Kindergarten in September 2013, he or she must be
5 years old on or before Dec. 1, 2013. Your child’s original birth certificate is required
at registration time to verify birth date.
New York State Law requires that all children must be immunized against
Diphtheria, Pertussis (whooping cough), Tetanus, Rubella (measles), Rubella (German
measles), Mumps, Poliomyelitis, Hepatitis B and Varicella (chickenpox) or provide
physician documentation of having had chickenpox.
NYS requires each child to have an “entry to school” physical. Physicals can be
accepted if completed after Sept. 3, 2012. If your child has had a well-child physical
within this time frame, ask your physician to complete a healthcare appraisal form. Kindergarten registration appointment letters will be sent out to district families
on the mailing list in early March. If you are new to the district, or have not received
an appointment letter by March 15, 2013, please call the Elementary School office
at 589-2031 to get a registration appointment time for your child.
Benefit Recital Raises $2,245
The Albion community has demonstrated, once again, its enormous generosity.
Over $2,000 was donated by attendees at a benefit recital on Jan. 25, sponsored by the
ACS Music Department, for the Long Beach (NY) Central School Music Department,
which was devastated in the wake of Hurricane Sandy this fall. Long Beach lost a
substantial percentage of its musical instruments, sheet music inventory, rehearsal
and concert equipment, music technology materials, and general music classroom
materials. Insurance, FEMA, and NYS recovery payouts will still leave a multi-million
dollar shortfall in their efforts to replace destroyed, missing, and damaged music
equipment and supplies. Just like Albion, Long Beach has a large number of students
who are heavily involved in music. This service project was an excellent way to assist
another music department in their time of need and foster a greater connection between
music teachers and students, some 400 miles apart.
The recital included performances by ACS music faculty members Gary Simboli,
Mike Thaine, Carrie Kozody, Greg Martillotta, Karen Conn, Wayne Burlison, Linda Logan,
and Megan Zambito, along with audio-visual Director Kevin Smith and district choral
accompanist Catherine Farrell. Performing students were Annabella Salisbury (4th
grade, trombone); Nate Grammatico (6th grade, saxophone); high school Area All-State
vocal musicians Lydia Erakare (with her father, Jan), William Grimble, Kendra Morrison,
and Gretta Smith; and high school All-State musicians Michael Patterson (alto sax) and
Mary Martin (soprano). Retired ACS band teacher Mike Grammatico performed, both
with grandson Nate and in solo. Three Albion alumni, who are currently working as
professional musicians in the affected NYC/LI/NJ region, returned to their home-school
stage and took part in the benefit as well: Eric Deiboldt (2003) is a musical theater
actor, currently based in NYC; Michael Platek (2004) is a vocal music teacher at
Herricks Central School on Long Island; and Kailey Winans (2008) lives in Manhattan
and is a cabaret performer.
As a result of Albion’s benefit project, a 4’ x 6’ music staff dry erase board (for a
general music classroom), a portable amplification system (for a choral ensemble), and
two violins (for the middle school orchestra) – all replacements for equipment that was
destroyed in the hurricane – will be purchased and donated to the Long Beach Music
Department.
Long Beach Instrumental Music Teacher Dave Lobenstein said, “What can I say?
Albion’s generosity goes beyond words! Your contribution to our recovery process will
be felt for many years to come. The Albion and Long Beach schools may be separated
by geography and many miles, but our music students are the same... they just want to
create music. Thanks to all involved!”
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ALBION CENTRAL SCHOOL --- Achievement, Character, and Success for Life!
A Message from our
Superintendent…
The seasons are changing at Albion Central! That’s not
a weather forecast, but recognition of the transition from
winter athletics to the spring musicals and spring sports.
Our winter sports season ended with the boys’ and
girls’ basketball teams hosting well-played sectional
contests. Unfortunately, despite their strong efforts,
neither team advanced in the sectional tournament.
Albion was also represented at the Section VI wrestling
tournament as several grapplers competed and one moved on to the state qualifier. Spring
sports, despite the current weather, are just around the corner!
The music and theater seasons are in full swing as well. Our Middle School drama
program takes the stage March 8 and 9 with “Schoolhouse Rock Live!,” while the High
School program produces “Beauty and the Beast” on March 22 and 23. The All-District
Instrumental Concert on March 13 and the annual Jazz Band Dinner Dance on March 16
showcase our students’ musical talents. The Eastman at Albion Courthouse Series kicks off
on March 10 with the ACS Flute Choir performing along with artists from the Eastman School
of Music.
March also finds us celebrating the induction of new members of the National Honor
Society, hosting the Middle School’s annual Empty Bowls event, scheduling Middle and High
Schools Parent-Teacher Conferences, and registering next year’s Kindergarten and PreKindergarten students. It is a busy month!
While our students are involved in all of these events, personnel are busy “behind the
scenes” with several other activities. The safety review we began after the Connecticut
school tragedy continues. Law enforcement and safety experts are reviewing their past
recommendations. I fully expect that we will see changes in their guidance that we will
implement here that will change our procedures. We are moving forward with our
APPR plan for teacher and principal evaluation that was approved by the State Education
Department. And, while budget is a year-round process for us, we have moved into high gear
as we prepare the draft plan for consideration by the Board of Education and, ultimately, at
the polls, by district residents. We remain committed to implementing a plan that balances
the needs of our students with the ability of our taxpayers to pay for the plan.
As always, I encourage you to contact the appropriate person at school if you have
questions or need assistance. I look forward to seeing you at many of our spring events!
Albion Middle School
Art Students present:
The 4th Annual
Empty Bowls Event
To Benefit the Food Pantry at Community Action
Thu., March 21, 2013 • 5:30 - 7 p.m.
(Doors open at 5 p.m. to choose a bowl)
Albion Middle School Cafeteria • $5 donation
Your $5.00 donation benefits the Community Action Food Pantry. It gives you admission
to our event, a student-made pottery bowl to keep, a simple soup and bread supper, and a
short student-led service-learning program about hunger in our community and the world.
The student-created bowls serve as a reminder that many people live with empty bowls,
empty stomachs, and a lack of food every day. Please come out to support the students’
efforts and our local food pantry.
Geography Bowl Winners
Geography Bowl is a program where students in grades 3, 4, and 5 study continents,
countries, capital cities and geographical features of our world culminating in a Jeopardytype quiz-bowl competition. The goal is to challenge and motivate children to learn more
about the world where they live and celebrate that learning with a fun quiz bowl. After the
grade-level competition, a championship team was named for each grade and from that team
an individual grade-level winner.
In the classroom competition, Tyler Gibson, Leah Kania and Zoe Cusson from Mrs.
Diebolt’s class won for the third grade. Chris Shabazz, Olivia Morrison and Hannah Brewer
from Mrs. Kania’s class won for the fourth grade. Mrs. Monacelli’s class team consisting of
Ethan Hryhorenko, Taylor Phillips, Kolin Vangorder, Michael DiCureia and Patrick Ricker
won the Geography Bowl for the fifth grade.
Third-Grade Individual Champions
Photographs of Students
During the school year, students may be photographed for use in school publications. If
you do not want your child’s photograph published, please call Mary Ann Donnelly at 5892050 ext. 2990 or mdonnelly@albionk12.org.
Albion Central School Hosts
FFA State Convention
By Alison O’Hearn, Chapter Vice President
FFA Officers pictured (l-r) Alison O’Hearn, Abigail Maines, Mariah Pepe, Logan London, Sara
Millspaugh, Riley Kelly, Elizabeth Bentley, Jenny McKenna.
Don’t be alarmed when you see hundreds of students clad in blue corduroy jackets
invading Albion in May. The FFA State Convention is coming to Albion! On May 2-4, the
Albion FFA will be hosting the 88th Annual New York State FFA Convention at the Middle
School and High School. This annual event is expected to bring more than 1,200 FFA
students, 100 chaperones and advisors, 200 career development judges, 200 or more
parents and many farmers and other agribusiness people from all over New York State to
Albion for an unparalleled gathering of potential agribusiness leaders. Attendees will stay at
the various hotels in nearby Batavia. The three-day convention will consist of workshops,
competition in career development events, community service, and tours of local farms and
businesses. The Albion FFA members have been working hard to prepare for this unique
gathering and excitedly anticipate May.
FFA Advisor, Adam Krenning said, “This is a huge undertaking. As you can imagine,
there is a lot of planning and organizing that goes into hosting an event of this size. It
definitely keeps us busy and helps develop the leadership qualities in students that are
paramount to our organization. We are grateful to the district and our FFA Alumni for their
continued support. Our organization has been working on this event since the moment we
found out that it would be here in Albion.” If you would like more information, please email
Adam Krenning at akrenning@albionk12.org.
The LINK (l-r) Reuben Rivers (3), Tyler Gibson (1), and Loran Reid (2)
Fourth-Grade Individual Champions
(l-r) Kyle Woolston (2), Derek Osburn (1) and Chris Shabazz (3)
Fifth-Grade Individual Champions
(l-r) Ethan Hryhorenko (2), Conner Hollenbeck (1), and Taylor Phillips (3)
March 2013
ALBION CENTRAL SCHOOL --- Achievement, Character, and Success for Life!
Albion All-County Music
A number of our students were selected to participate in All-County Chorus and Band
ensembles this winter. All-County ensembles represent the top student-musicians in
Orleans County. Musicians are selected based upon factors including performance ability,
instrumentation/voicing needs, attention/focus, and responsibility. Albion Central School
hosted the All-County Sr. High Band, Jr. High Chorus, and Elementary Band on Feb. 1 & 2.
The Sr. High Chorus, Jr. High Band, and Elementary Chorus rehearsed and performed at
Kendall on the weekend of March 1 & 2. It is a valuable experience for student-musicians
as they get to rehearse and perform difficult music, in a very select ensemble, under the
direction of a notable guest conductor. The following Albion students were chosen for AllCounty honor ensembles this winter:
Members of the Senior High All-County Band are pictured above. (l-r) Front Row:
Rebecca Flanagan, Faith Bentley, Charlyne Olick, Amber Smarpat, Samantha Dumont, Emily
Joslyn, Brooke Chandler, Lydia Erakare, Meredith Patterson, Michael Patterson, Allen Sanford.
Back Row: Alan Quintana, Ben Kirby, Zach McMullen, Nick McMullen, Ryan Haight, Steven
Stauss, William Grimble, Chris Reed and Jon Trembley. Missing from the photo are: Tyler
Neilans, Jenna Reigle.
Jr. High (7-9) Band members were: Kelley Flanagan, Paula Hastings, Cheyenna Eagle,
Bethany Bowman, Abigail Maines, Sarah Graham, Nathaniel Trembley, Matt Flanagan, Jared
Fearby, Kyle Thaine, Zachary Shaffer, Caitlin Malanowski, Dan Beam, Jillian Doyle, Jackie
Quintana, Emily Blanchard, Joe Madejski, Justin Robinson and Jared Hollinger.
Elementary (5/6) Band members were: Nate Grammatico, Evan Allen, Jacob Ettinger,
Kaylyn Holman, Melissa Barnosky, Jessica Schleede, Thomas Green, Zoe Chatfield, Arella
Ives, Hailey Mack, Kirsten Struble, Hannah VanEpps, Matthew Kovaleski, Nicholas Sacco,
Connor McQuillan, Trinity Allen, Evan Van Ameron and Justin Osburn.
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Albion Students Compete at
N.C.C.C. Tech Wars
Fifteen middle and high school students from Albion recently visited Niagara County
Community College to participate in their Tech Wars competition. The students competed
in four engineering competitions: Bridge Design, CO2 race car, mousetrap-powered vehicle
and the on-site mystery engineering challenge.
The middle school bridge design competition involved students designing and
engineering a bridge using 1/8” x 1/8” wood members to hold up to 100 lbs. over a 12-inch
span. Albion’s Hannah Yocum placed 25th out of 51 entries. The CO2 cars competition
challenged students to design, build and race cars powered by CO2 cylinders. Michayla
Kovaleski and Jackie Quintana’s CO2 car placed in the top 16 out of 100 entries. The
mousetrap-powered vehicles event required students to create a vehicle using a standard
Victor mousetrap with a wood base. These unique vehicles were judged on the distance
the vehicle traveled. Albion student, Tyler Nashburn’s vehicle traveled 38 feet during the
competition. Cody Catlin teamed up with two Albion high school students, Nick Ettinger and
Allen Sanford for the on-site mystery engineering challenge. The team placed 5th out of 18
entries.
Other middle school students competing in the event were: Josh Barnett, Josh Canham,
Bailey Maier, Vivian Rivers, Morgan Rutkowski, Sam Slick, and Steve Zayac. The next Tech
Wars was hosted at G.C.C. on March 14.
ACS Senior Citizen Day!
May 8, 2013 • 9:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Please join us at the Albion High School Gym.
For more information, please call Emily Wemmer at 589-2040 ext. 8414.
Science Olympiad Team “Drops” the Egg!
Members of the Senior High All-County Chorus are pictured above. (l-r) Front Row:
Maria Ostafew, Faith Bentley, Charlyne Olick, Rebecca Flanagan, Lydia Erakare, Joyce La
Londe. Back Row: Elijah Martin, Alyssa Lawrence, David Stilwell, Johnathan Krieger, Ben
Kirby, Kyle Worgo, Michael Karcz, Joshua Raymond, Ryan Haight, William Grimble, Jordan
Grimble, Kendra Morrison and Cassie Hoy. Missing from the photo are: Jenna Reigle, Mary
Martin.
Jr. High (7-9) Chorus members are: Hailey Bader, Matilda Erakare, Katie Rustay, Emily
Caldwell, Calandra Prentice, Yasmeen Shabazz, Catherine Thom, Joe Madejski, Nate Smith,
Connor Zicari, Emilie Barleben, Michayla Kovaleski, Riley Seielstad, Samantha Hollenbeck,
Kiara Smith, Kaitlin Zwifka, Andrew Moore, Evan Steier, Shannon Broda, Vivian Rivers,
Emma Wadhams, Katie Mann, Zaria Rice, Angela Tarricone, Donato Rosario, Freeman Lattin,
Bethany Bowman, Alyce Miller, Sarah Graham, Katy Perry, Cassie Casanova, Cheyenna Eagle,
Caitlin Malanowski, Josh Metzler, Kyle Thaine, Ben Miller, Zach Shaffer and Nate Trembley.
Elementary (5/6) Chorus: Evan Allen, Dyllan Beach, Chloe Bowman, Noah Duvall,
Abby Fitzwater, Lauren Fitzwater, Grace Fournier, Anna Geldard, Nathaniel Grammatico,
Thomas Green, Charity Henhawk, Thomas Hollenbeck, Kaylyn Holman, Kate Krieger, Matthew
Kovaleski, Lindsey Mann, Connor McQuillan, Aja Naro, Sierra Newton, Alana Petronio, Tess
Pettit, Alex Rustay, Pedro Santigo, Jessica Schleede, Haley Smith, Kirsten Struble, Jessica
Twardowski, Hannah Van Epps, Sean Weis and Lexi Wolck.
spring break 2013
Fri., March 29 - Fri. April 5
No school for students.
The LINK (L-R) Ricky Daniels and Noah Wadhams practice for Metric Mastery.
The 6th-9th grade Albion Science Olympiad Team has been busy learning about a wide
range of science topics in preparation for the regional competition in March. So far this
year, the team has competed in an Egg Drop competition, Science Trivia contest and has
completed the application process for the regional competition.
In this year’s egg drop, students made a container (excluding glass, metal or wood) that
caught a raw egg dropped from a height. The objective of the competition was to make your
container short but soft so it would catch the egg without it breaking from the highest height.
The winning container was made by Jacob Brower and was only 3 cm in height, but caught
an egg that was dropped 200 cm!
In the tournament-style trivia contest teams advanced through a bracket to a
championship round. Winners Ryan Grandy and Evan Howard needed to have well-rounded
science knowledge because the questions came from all branches of science.
Event
applications help organize the team into groups of two for the biggest challenge of the
season, the regional competition against other Rochester area Middle Schools.
The regional competition includes events like Anatomy, Crime Busters, Forestry,
Meteorology, Mystery Architecture and many more. As you can imagine from the titles of
the events, students need to incorporate knowledge from all disciplines of earth science,
biology, chemistry, health science and technology in order to compete well. As Olympiad
member Cody Catlin says, “Science Olympiad is a great thing to get involved with. It is fun
and offers many events too. You practice before going to compete against other schools.
I’ve done this for several years and plan to continue on.” Mr. Petrus said, “As the longtime
coach of the team, I really believe the Science Olympiad experience leaves a great impression
in the mind of students. In conversations with students after the end of the competition,
they are challenged by the task and the competition and are exposed to a variety of different
activities.”
March 2013
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ALBION CENTRAL SCHOOL --- Achievement, Character, and Success for Life!
High School Musical Theater Students
Create Original Production
Students in Mr. Simboli’s Introduction to Musical Theater class performed their original
production of “Melissa Parkington’s Beautiful Hair” based on a book by author Pat Brisson.
The class wrote the script and musical score for the show as part of a service-learning
project. They designed their own set, costumes and performed this production to convey
an important message to the younger students.
The story is about a young girl who is known for her beautiful hair, but feels that she
has more to offer people than just her beautiful hair. She makes a list of all the things that
she could be famous for besides her hair and sets out to make a new name for herself. She
begins by doing nice things for people and ends up being known for her BEAUTIFUL HEART!
At the conclusion of the story, she ends up cutting her beautiful hair and donating it to Locks
for Love. For one of the students in the theater class, Tina Gers, this story really hit home.
Tina has donated her hair to Locks for Love and enjoyed donating it so much, that she
contributed three times. In addition to Tina, students participating in the production were
Rachel Corke, Samantha Dumont, Rebecca Flanagan, Jordan Grimble, Michael Karcz, Robert
Klatt, Cassandra Langdon, Alyssa Lawrence, Ashley Leslie, Kendra Morrison, Zechariah
Simpson, Nicholas Tolle, Kyle Worgo and Dakota Zimmer.
Currently, in the elementary school students are participating in a service-learning
project to collect pet supplies for Community Action to distribute to elderly pet owners who
may need assistance in caring for their animals. In March, the Elementary School Student
Leadership Council will participate in their annual Pennies for Patients collection to support
the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society. Last year the Elementary School collection resulted in a
donation of $3,332.44 to the Society.
Albion Cheerleaders Place 2nd in Competition!
Front row- Adryan Cheeseboro, Autumn Zona, Andrea Coccitti, Trisha Brooks, Courtney Depoty,
Mahogany Taylor. 2nd Row- Haley Wegman, Carley Adamo, Taylor Mager, Nicole Entz, Gabrielle
Vagg, Kassandra Martinez, Madeline Gibbs, Wynter Dumont, Janie Schutz, Ally Page.
3rd row- Mariah Pepe, Kourtni Mietlicki, Karisa Stark, Brooke-Lyn Webster, Makaila Albanese,
Jenna Raglan, Natalia Norton, Samantha Gramlich, Elizabeth Banty.
The Albion Varsity Cheerleading squad competed in the Greater Rochester Cheer and
Dance Championships at the Blue Cross Arena in Rochester on Jan. 26, 2013. The squad
finished 2nd in the Intermediate division. They have competed in the Intermediate Division
since 2011, each year placing higher than the year before. Prior to 2011, they competed in
the Novice Division, which they won from 2008 - 2011. Congratulations Cheerleaders!
Elks Club Donates Dictionaries to
Elementary School Students
“Reading Is Magic” Kicks Off The (PARP)
Parents As Reading Partners Program
Pictured above are Elks Lodge #1006 members Mr. Champeney and Mr. Ames.
For the last several years, the Albion Elks Lodge #1006 has distributed dictionaries
to the third-grade students in Albion, Medina, Lyndonville, and Kendall school districts.
Third graders eagerly waited as representatives talked to them about why the Elks
club members decided to participate in the national Dictionary Project program. The
Dictionary Project’s goal is to assist all students in completing their school year as good
writers, active readers and creative thinkers by supplying them with their own dictionary.
The program targets third graders because it is at this level that students make the
transition between learning to read and reading to learn.
The Elks Club members believe that reading and literacy are important to the future
of each and every student. Elks representative, Mr. Ames said, “The lodge members are
proud to have supported the project and plan on continuing it.” The Lodge distributes
approximately 500 books annually.
Albion Service-Learning Class Pitches In to
Help Local Agencies
The Albion Elementary School PTA is excited to offer the Parents as Reading Partners
(PARP) program again this year. PARP encourages families to read together for at least 15
minutes per day, 4 days a week. PTA representative Kathy Harling said, “One of the goals
of the program is to instill a lifelong love of reading, while strengthening the connection
between home and school. We would like to show students that reading can be both fun and
informative. With this in mind, the PTA has chosen ‘Reading is Magic’ as this year’s theme.”
The PARP program will kick off on Mon., March 11, with a building-wide assembly
featuring WKBW meteorologist Mike Randall with his “Reading is Magic” program featuring
magic, ventriloquism and audience participation. On the day of the assembly, students will
receive a packet of information explaining the program as well as a contract that must be
signed by both the student and the parent/guardian. Together they will fill out a calendar
documenting when they read. The PARP program will end on Wed., March 27, and students
will turn in the completed calendar. During the three-week program, guest readers will read
to students in classrooms throughout the building.
The LINK Albion Middle School seventh graders (l-r) Samantha Hollenbeck, Samantha Champeney,
and Engracia Perez prepare a mailing for the Arc of Orleans County as part of a servicelearning class project. Among other things, students in the service-learning classes learn
about local agencies and provide support when they can. March 2013
ALBION CENTRAL SCHOOL --- Achievement, Character, and Success for Life!
5
Fall 2012 Scholar Athletes
The Albion High School athletic department is pleased to announce that all seven fall sports teams have qualified for the NYS Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA)
Scholar Athlete Team Award. This award recognizes varsity level interscholastic athletes who excel in academics. The award is given if a certain percentage of students on the team have
a composite score of 90 percent or above. The team percentage is determined based on the number of students on the team. Each student received a scholar athlete patch.
Football Composite Grade Point Average 92.01%
Girls’ Soccer Composite Grade Point Average 95.039%
Front row (l-r): Josh Girvin, Mike Eldred, Brett Zicari, Dylan Burkhardt.
Back row: Dean Pittman, Steven Stauss, Jon Warne and Jon Trembley.
Missing from photo: Jack Narburgh, Ed Narburgh, Jarrett Thompson and Aaron Mulroy.
Golf Composite Grade Point Average 90.385%
Front row (l-r): Kelsey Schmitt, Monica Benjovsky and Ali O’Hearn.
Middle row: Arianna Smith, Kendall Piccirilli, Abby Squicciarini and Kali Benjovsky.
Back row: Mandy Covis, Sarah Papponetti, Tiffany Standish and Taylor Soule.
Missing from photo: Joyce La Londe, Kellie O’Hearn and Erika Edwards.
Boys’ Soccer Composite Grade Point Average 90.54%
Bottom row (l-r): Noah Preston and Dyer Benjovsky.
Back row: Tyler Neilans, Johnathan Krieger and Connor Barleben.
Boys’ Cross-Country Composite Grade Point Average 96.681%
Front row (l-r): Jacob Squicciarini, Alan Quintana, Trevor Hadick and Marcos Sanchez.
Back row: Chandler Thigpen, Jackson Hamilton, Tyler Philip and Chris Reed. Missing
from photo: Allen Sanford, Humza Quinn, Tyler Lombard and Denisolt Beterbiyev.
Girls’ Volleyball Composite Grade Point Average 93.024%
Front row (l-r): Nick Neilans, Matt Flanagan and Michael Patterson.
Back row: Daniel Beam, Evan Pappalardo, Marquise Riddick and Aaron Chen.
Missing from photo: Aaron Burnside
Girls’ Cross-Country Composite Grade Point Average 91.991%
Front row (l-r): Martha Vallejo Miller, Eboni Taylor and Cady Messmer.
Middle row: Dakota Zimmer, Brooke Wilson and Halle Jurs.
Back row: Emily Joslyn and Kelsee Soule.
Front row (l-r): Clara Stilwell and Megan Rosato. Back row: Shannan Wells,
Meredith Patterson and Carly Fox. Missing from photo: Hannah Wehling.
The LINK March 2013
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ALBION CENTRAL SCHOOL --- Achievement, Character, and Success for Life!
Students Dance the Night Away
at Cupid’s Ball
Albion High School Earns
Red Cross Scholarship
High school students enjoyed a night of dancing and socializing on Feb. 9 while
attending Cupid’s Ball. Students were hardly recognizable as they entered the high school
gymnasium dressed as ladies and gentlemen. Friends greeted each other excited to show
off their new wardrobe or hairdo. The dancing began almost immediately and didn’t stop
until it was time to leave.
Albion High School student Dean Pitman donates during the “Start to Finish” blood drive.
Middle School Students Learn About
Women’s Rights
Albion High School held an additional blood drive in December 2012 in order
to qualify for a $250 academic scholarship. Organizer, Nurse Jean Swiercznski said,
“The high school regularly holds two blood drives during the school year, however
the addition of the ‘Start to Finish’ blood drive provides students and staff with an
additional opportunity to donate, as well as making the school eligible for the academic
scholarship.”
During the December drive, 42 donors came forward producing 30 productive
units. Red Cross spokesperson, Nicholas Woodford said, “High Schools that sponsor
American Red Cross blood drives make a vital contribution to the community. Not only
do these drives help maintain an adequate blood supply, they also provide students the
opportunity to help save lives and develop valuable leadership skills. The American Red
Cross High School Scholarship Challenge is an exciting initiative that rewards schools
and students for the outstanding contributions they make to the local blood supply. We
are pleased to award the Albion High School this scholarship. Their continued support
is vital to the future success of the blood donation program.”
Seminar on Education
Albion Middle School seventh grade students recently traveled to the Susan B. Anthony
House to learn about the famous Rochesterian who championed women’s rights in the
late 1800s. The trip was part of a combined service learning and history club project
that included an interactive Change it! activity that encouraged students to address issues
of our day. The students applied for and received scholarships to attend. Pictured near
a monument of Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglas are (l-r) Leeyah Rechtsiegal,
Samantha Hollenbeck, Alexis Maines, Garrett Derisley, Engracia Perez, Samantha Vanacore,
Mr. Archer, Conte Raymond, Caleb Pettit, Camron Labarge, Devin Cox, and Josiah Finzer.
Magician Entertains Students
Panel member Rebecca Smith, an admissions representative from Roberts Wesleyan College,
shares her view on what colleges like to see in prospective students.
The students at Ronald Sodoma Elementary School in Albion were dazzled by magic
performed by Rob and Carol Allen on Jan. 14. The Very Dairy Magician amazed the secondgrade students with various magic tricks using colored scarves, white doves and milk. The
goal of the program is to promote healthy eating and is sponsored by the Milk for Health and
the Dairy Farmers of Western New York. Rob Allen entertained the students while working in
the importance of dairy and all of the vitamins and minerals that are important to a healthy
lifestyle. He reviewed the five food groups and detailed what was included in each group.
Mr. Allen chose a volunteer from the audience from Mrs. Werner’s class named Emma.
Emma did a fantastic job of leading the audience and had a front-row seat on stage for the
show. With the help of the audience, she played “Meal or No Meal.” During “Meal or No
Meal” the students had to decide if a meal menu included at least three of the five food
groups. Students enjoyed the magic program and came away with a better understanding of
the importance of healthy eating and including dairy in their daily meals.
The LINK The Albion High School Rotary Interact Club hosted an Education Seminar on Thu.,
Jan. 31, 2013, at the Albion High School. The seminar was held for Albion high school
students who were involved in extracurricular activities, committed to community
service and viewed as leaders by their peers. The group of over 100 students consisted
of Class Officers, Student Government members, Band Officers, FFA Officers, National
Honor Society Members, National Junior Honor Society Officers and Rotary Interact Club
Members.
The event was organized by club advisor Tim Archer. Archer led the discussion
with questions he had collected from the students in attendance. Members of the
panel included School Board President Margy Brown; Superintendent of Schools
Michael Bonnewell; High School Principal Leslie Stauss; Guidance Counselor Scott
Green; Business Owner Jerome Pawlak; Rotary Club Representative Bonnie Malakie;
and Roberts Wesleyan College Admissions Representative Rebecca Smith. Each panel
member viewed education from a different perspective based on their profession and
their position in the community. Viewpoints ranged from school district policy maker to
local business owner and future employer. One theme bound them all together; they all
urged the students to value education, stay involved and to give back to their community
and school.
Students were able to question current trends in education and gain a better
understanding of how state mandates affect their education. They expressed concerns
over decisions affecting them and examined the pros and cons of block scheduling,
extended school day/year, and other pressing issues in education. The conference
concluded by panel members challenging students to effect positive change by
volunteering in their community and leading others to be involved. “The seminar
provided the student body the opportunity to gain insight on topics relevant to their
education,” Archer said. “But maybe more importantly, it offered them a voice in the
educational process.”
March 2013
ALBION CENTRAL SCHOOL --- Achievement, Character, and Success for Life!
Albion National Junior Honor Society
Rings in the Holiday Season
7
The Little Mermaid
Pictured above (l-r) Flounder (Hannah VanEpps), Ariel (Shannon Broda) reveal
their “collection” to Sebastian (Michayla Kovaleski).
Pictured (l-r) Stephen Zayac, Katherine Mann and Shelby Restivo.
Members of the National Junior Honor Society filled some of their community
service hours by ringing the Salvation Army bell at Save-a-lot on Thursday afternoons
during the month of December. Each year the N.J.H.S. participates in several different
community service projects because service to the community is one of the pillars of the
organization. If members have completed a minimum of 15 hours of community service,
they receive recognition in the spring at the induction ceremony for new members. They
have volunteered to ring the bell for the Salvation Army for the past several years. Club
Advisor Lisa Castricone said, “I enjoy participating in this activity because it helps those
in need right in our own community and demonstrates to the community the many good
things our students are involved in and their level of commitment to Albion.”
C.A.S. Students Celebrate “Moving Up” Day
The Middle School production of “The Little Mermaid” entertained audiences at
the end of November through the beginning of December 2012, with colorful costumes,
detailed backgrounds, amazing props and lively music. The familiar musical score
included selections like “Kiss the Girl,” “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” and “Part of Your
World.” Director Carrie Kozody selected this show because it is her all-time favorite
Disney production. She said, “When the opportunity to do a live stage performance of
the show presented itself... I couldn’t resist. The entire staff of the MS theatre department
has enjoyed working on this production! From the talented cast to the elaborate sets
created by our crew members... it truly was a glorious site to behold! Everyone who
works on a theatre production knows that it takes 110 percent of effort to create a
successful show. That was certainly the case here. Thank you to our administration and
community for all of your continued support of the arts!”
In addition to directing the musical, Mrs. Kozody also developed and created
most of the costumes, with help from a small crew of volunteers. The production also
featured several special effects which helped transform the audience from their seats to
the sea!
The production was a huge undertaking involving more than 80 middle school
students and several high school students that helped in various capacities. Cast and
crew members included: Emilie Barleben, Lauren Becht, Andre Biemans, Shannon
Broda, Courtney Christ, Sierra Chudy, Jillian Doyle, Madison Flor, Owen Foos, Celeste
Hoffman, Destini Hurlbert, Taylor Johnston, Elizabeth Jurs, Michayla Kovaleski, Freeman
Lattin, Joe Madejski, Katie Mann, Stephanie Meadows, Calandra Prentice, Bella Prest,
Nicholas Reed, Shelby Restivo, Vivian Rivers, Katie Rustay, Sara Sallaj, Skyler Smith,
Evan Steier, Angela Tarricone, Catherine Thom, Jessiqua Underwood, Emma Wadhams,
Savanah Wirth, Destiny Wolfe, Hailey Bader, Dilon Cowell, Garrett Deirisley, Matilda
Erakare, Josiah Finzer, John Flanagan, Devin Gaylord, Hannah Grammer, Jules Hoepting,
Samantha Hollenbeck, Emma Lonnen, Alexis Maines, Collin McMullen, Andrea Nauden,
Brad Sanford, Riley Seielstad, Anastasia Smith, Miranda Smith, Nate Smith, Samantha
Vanacore, Noah Wadhams, Taylor Walczak, Evelina Alexandris, Evan Allen, Patrick
Brien, Mckenna Boyer, Jace Conn, Kirk Ellison, Nathaniel Grammatico, Kaylyn Holman,
Arella Ives, Katelynn Krieger, Matthew Kovaleski, Hailey Mack, Lindsey Mann, Zachary
Moore, Madison Narburgh, Justin Osburn, Tess Pettit, Bryce Pritchard, John Restivo,
Mykailah Roberts, Kirsten Struble, Hannah VanEpps, Chantel VanDeGenachte and Dalton
Wilkins.
Prisoners of War - Where?
CAS Students pictured above. Front row (l-r): Hillary Ingalls, Mackenzie Ballard and Skyler Green.
Back row: Derrick Kibbe, Phil Burley, Travis Mingione and Gerardo Solis.
The Community as Schools (C.A.S.) program located at the Villages of Orleans
(formerly the Orleans County Nursing Home) celebrated “Moving Up” Day for seven
students on Jan. 18, 2013. The C.A.S. program is an alternative-education program for
students who show promise, but are struggling in the traditional high school setting.
Students are given a chance to succeed in an environment that is completely different
than high school. This innovative program has earned recognition for its ability to
intervene both academically and personally with “at risk” students. This intervention
is credited for helping get these students back on track academically. C.A.S. students
attend classes in the nursing home and interact with residents and staff on a daily basis.
Some residents have experience that is helpful to students and oftentimes the connection
between students and residents is very strong. The relationship between students, staff
and residents is what makes this program so unique.
The end result has been positive for both the students and the nursing home.
Students are able to focus on school work and build relationships with fellow students
and residents. Some graduates have chosen careers working with the elderly or in
the medical field because of this relationship. This joint partnership between Orleans
County and Albion Central School has been mutually beneficial and has become the
model for other school districts interested in developing alternative education programs.
The C.A.S. program gained national recognition in 2007 by earning the Leading Edge
Care and Service Award presented by the AAHSA (American Association of Homes and
Services for the Aging).
The LINK Ed Evans, representative of the Friends of Hamlin Beach State Park, shares information
and stories with Albion Middle School students about the former Civilian Conservation
Corps (CCC) Camp and Prisoner of War (POW) Camp that serviced the Orleans County area
in the 1930s and ‘40s. Students in Mr. Archer’s seventh-grade service-learning classes
were surprised to learn that German POWs once worked in Albion at the tomato
canning factory and several local farms. Other area camps were located in Medina, Oakfield,
and Attica. In the spring the students hope to help Evans and the Friends of Hamlin Beach
State Park continue to restore the site into some type of museum.
March 2013
8
ALBION CENTRAL SCHOOL --- Achievement, Character, and Success for Life!
Show of Stars
Notes from the Music Department
All-District Instrumental Concert
March 13, 2013
High School Gym at 7:00 p.m.
Front row (l-r) Jackie Hastings, Dalton Kelley, Miranda King, Ryan Castrechino and Dakota Monno.
Back row: Katty Jackson, Anthony Zajczakowski, Nathanael Sugar, Rory Thompson,
Jordan Berg and John Glena
Students in Mrs. Winans’ class entertained guests during their annual performance.
This year the students, with the help of Mr. Simboli and Mr. Thaine, put on a show
containing many individual and group efforts. Individual performances by some
students showed off their entertainment skills and included a magic skit, comedy
segment, and singing routine. One of the group performances was a crowd favorite
and included a musical chime number with the students playing a beautiful piece on the
chimes. The show concluded by the group adding sound effects to an old-time radio
show using everyday items to enhance the story.
Albion Middle School Students
Get in the Holiday Spirit
The Albion Central School Music Department will display student talent in the
All-District Instrumental Music Concert featuring each of the district’s concert bands.
The performance will include the Sr. High Symphonic Band, the Middle School
Bands, the 5th Grade Band, and the 4th Grade Beginning Band, which will be making
its premiere performance.
The concert is an excellent showcase of Albion’s Instrumental Music program,
and is a chance to hear bands from all levels together in one event. It is a favorite
of many parents and community members, because it shows the progression that
instrumental students make from beginning band, where students learn fundamental
skills, through the Middle School years, at which time fundamentals are reinforced
and musicians learn basic musicianship skills, to the senior high level, when
interpretive skills and more complex elements of theory are added to added to the
mix.
The concert will last approximately 45 minutes, and will conclude with a mass
performance of the Albion Central School Alma Mater. Save the date for the concert,
as it is sure to be an event you will not want to miss!
Please Assist Us in Teaching Our Students
Proper Audience Etiquette
Our ACS chorus, band, and drama students work very hard in class and in afterschool and evening rehearsals to perfect the music and theater presentations they
perform. Keep in mind that concerts are a part of the music education process
for students: they are a culmination of months of learning, practice, and skill
development. It’s important that students are able to execute to the absolute best of
their abilities. With this in mind, you can assist performing students (and keep your
fellow audience members happy) in the following ways:
• Please turn off pagers, cell phones and electronic devices, as they can distract
the performers and your fellow audience members. Additionally, they interfere
with the wireless sound system. (Merely setting them to “silent” isn’t enough
as they can still receive/send signals, which is what causes the interference with
the microphones.)
• Please remain seated during the concert. Moving about the auditorium during
a performance blocks the view of other audience members, and is a visual
distraction to the student performers. A general rule of thumb is to stay out of
the aisles whenever you hear music. If you MUST enter or exit the auditorium
after the concert has begun, please wait until the end of a song or a break in
the program.
• Please refrain from conversation during the performance. Not only is such
talking frustrating and distracting to other audience members, but it’s surprising
how far it travels in a quiet auditorium, often all the way up to the performers
on stage!
Albion Middle School seventh-grade Service-Learning students (l-r) Leah Schildt,
Preston Flugel, Zach Monagan, and Victor Benjovsky help pack food boxes for needy local
families at the Orleans Community Action offices in Albion. They, along with Mrs. Berg’s
class, helped prepare over 150 boxes to help make the holidays brighter for many!
Albion Student Leadership Group
Teams Up with Community Action
By Alaina Fleming – Grade 5
During the month of January the Albion Elementary School S.L.C. (Student Leadership
Group) organized a fundraiser. This fundraiser was a pet-supplies drive for senior citizens
who go to Community Action for assistance with their dogs and cats. Our group sent home
flyers and hung posters to advertise our collection. The members of the S.L.C. collected
from class rooms three times a week all throughout January. We received pet toys, food,
treats and collars. All together we collected 393 pet supply items that collectively weighed
164 pounds. The people at Community Action said that they were so proud of us and that
made us feel good!
The LINK • Modeling is a very effective teaching tool. Please help us educate our students
about proper audience behavior by demonstrating respectful audience etiquette
while attending plays and concerts.
Thank you.
35th Annual Jazz Band Dinner Dance
The 2013 edition of the annual AHS Jazz Band Dinner Dance will take place on
Sat., March 16, in the high school gymnasium. This year marks the 35th consecutive
year of the event, which will feature a delicious homemade dinner by Gary & Laura
Simboli and crew, and over two hours of music for your dancing and listening
pleasure, plus door prizes, and a basket auction (sponsored by the AHS Music
Boosters). The theme this year is “S for Swing.” The evening’s music will consist of
swing selections from the Big-Band era, and the gym will be decorated to depict a
typical USO show of the WWII years. The evening will feature an All-American dinner
of baked chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, tossed salad, and dinner rolls, with apple
pie for dessert.
Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. The evening’s music will kick off with the
Middle School Jazz Ensemble at 7 p.m., followed by the award-winning Albion
High School Jazz Ensemble at 7:30 p.m., which will perform two sets. AHS Jazz
alumni are invited to join the current group for a few numbers in the band’s second
set. (Interested alumni are urged to attend a short rehearsal at 2:15 p.m. on the
afternoon of the event - sax/trumpet/trombone players should bring their own
instruments.)
Tickets, at $12 (general) and $10 (senior citizens & kids under 12) are available
in the high school office, through any jazz ensemble member, or at Fischer’s
Newsroom and Gotta Dance Studio. Tickets may also be available for purchase at
the door, as pre-sale availability allows.
March 2013