8 April.indd - Chenango Forks Central School District Home

Newsletter
April 2008
A community where learners excel!
Having a healthy heart
J
umping rope,
shooting hoops,
running through an
obstacle course….sounds
like fun, and for students
from both Kenyon and
Harshaw elementary
schools it was more than
just fun…it was heart
healthy.
Vol. VIII, No. 8
the heart. The students play the role of the blood flowing in
and out of the heart. Along the way, they must ride carts,
crawl, and jump over valves,
chambers, arteries and veins
to get oxygen from the
lungs and then take that
oxygenated blood to the
brain and other body parts.
Physical Education teacher
Jarod McMullen explained,
“I think the kids appreciate
just how hard our heart
works when they finish
this double-sided obstacle
course.”
These students jumped
into healthy heart
month with their annual
“Heart Smart Obstacle
Course” and “Jump
Rope for Heart” stations.
As part of the physical
education curriculum,
students learn about
their heart and how to
take care of it. The Heart
Smart Obstacle Course
is designed to mirror
On February 29, Kenyon
students wore red t-shirts to
represent a healthy heart. A
special thank you to Mrs.
Rowland’s class for helping
to form the healthy heart in
the photo at left.
The “Jump Rope for Heart”
consists of a series of six
See “Heart”, page 7.
Snow days are exhausted. What does that mean?
I
started in education in 1975 and this is the first time that
I can recall when all of our built-in snow days, five, have
been used. What does this mean to you, the parent?
If you take a look at the 2007-08 school calendar, you will
find down near the bottom right a box entitled “Priority of
Make-up Days,” where the dates April 18, 17, 16 and 15 are
listed. If the district is closed for an additional day due to
inclement weather or an emergency closing, school will be in
session on April 18, 2008, the district’s first priority make-up
date.
I am fully aware that many of you have made plans to
travel out of town during this recess period, which is
understandable. For those of you that will be in town, school
will be in session on Friday, April 18, 2008 IF, AND ONLY
IF, THE DISTRICT IS REQUIRED TO CLOSE FOR AN
ADDITIONAL DAY.
If we are required to close for two additional days, school will
be in session on April 18 and April 17, 2008. If we need to
close for three days, school will be in session on April 18, 17,
and 16, 2008. If we need to close for four days, school will be
See “Snow”, page 3.
Board of Education: Don Edwards, President; Gail Wrighter, Vice President; Don Faith; Jack Sines; Donald Vredenburgh.
Superintendent of Schools: Robert Bundy. Assistant Superintendent of Schools: Carol Denz
District
2
April 2008
Welcome to cforks.org!
A
s we continue to develop our Web site, we
hope that you find this information useful
and informative. This month we will highlight
athletics and transportation.
Athletics:
The athletics page of our Web site is broken into
calendar, fall, winter and spring sports on the top
navigation. The side navigation includes the following:
Q
Department Information - personnel, phone
and address information.
Q
Questions and Answers - frequently asked
questions about upcoming changes.
Q
Useful Links - links to internet broadcasts and
Web sites of local high school sports.
Q
What’s New - Forks athletes in the news.
Q
Contact Athletics Director - E-mail our
athletics director.
Q
District Home - links to the district page.
Q
Directions - driving directions and maps to our
schools.
Q
Weight Room - hours and fees for our weight room.
Q
Mission Statement - CF athletics mission statement.
The athletic calendar is populated with all sports
schedules. A parent can filter the calendar for specific team events and print or export the calendar. Each sport has a calendar
of sporting events on its own site. As we progress through the next year, team Web pages will include scores, pictures and much
more.
Transportation:
Our Transportation department has been busy filling its site with information for parent and student use.
Q
Transportation - directions and maps to our schools.
Q
School Bus Rules -bus safety rules of Birnie Bus.
Q
School Closings - types of school closings.
Q
Bus Notes and Bus Passes - requirements of bus notes.
Q
Transportation Employment - application for employment.
Q
How Do We Qualify Drivers? - driver requirements.
Q
Route Information
Q
Who Is Birnie Bus Corporation?
Q
Contact Transportation - contact our transportation director by phone or e-mail. Q
-Cheri Panko, education communications specialist
District/Harshaw
April 2008
“Snow”, from page 1.
in session on April 18, 17, 16 and 15, 2008. If closings exceed
the back-up plan, supplemental information will be posted on
the CF Web site and in the newsletter.
If you have any questions concerning the priority make-up
days, please contact me, Robert Bundy, Superintendent of
Schools, at 648-7543. Q
3
Harshaw April dates
4/4
Hearts and Hands Dance at CKE
4/14-18 No school
4/22
Harshaw Site Council Meeting
-Robert Bundy, superintendent
Substitutes needed
Audit committee needs members
Substitute teachers
he Chenango Forks Audit Committee is looking
for interested community members to join the
committee. The committee meets evenings three to
four times per year. The role of the committee is to provide
the Board of Education with recommendations regarding the
internal and external audit functions for the school. If you
are interested in volunteering for the committee or would like
more information about the functions of the group, please
feel free to contact Business Executive Kathy Blackman at
648-7538 or blackmank@cforks.org. Q
The District has openings for substitute teachers.
NYS teaching certification is required.
If interested, please send resume, CF teaching application and
copy of teaching certificate to:
Carol Denz, Assistant Superintendent
Chenango Forks CSD
One Gordon Drive
Binghamton, NY 13901
or email callans@cforks.org
T
Substitute teacher aides
The District has openings for substitute teacher aides. If
interested, please send resume to:
Kathy Blackman, School Business Executive
Chenango Forks CSD Business Office
One Gordon Drive
Binghamton, NY 13901
or email phoenixd@cforks.org
Early Literacy Corner
H
ere is an important
reminder for our children
from birth to 12 months.
Talk with your infants "face to face"
as much as possible.
Did you know…
Many young children have their photos posted online
(16% of third- and fourth-graders), and many older
children share photos and uniquely identifying personal
information–such as their full names or home addresses–
on their own Web pages or blogs. Nearly one quarter
(23%) of students in grades 9-12 have shared uniquely
identifying personal information with someone they had
only just met on the Internet, while 13 percent of students
in grades 5-8 have done the same.
Avoid posting personal photos.
Q
Use your infants name often.
Q
Praise your infant when they
respond to their name.
Q
Cooing and babbling shows
your infant may be developing an
understanding of "taking turns" in conversations. Q
-Kathleen Keir, HP principal
Pictures can be altered to embarrass or humiliate. They
also provide personal information that can help an Internet
predator to pretend to know you, your children, and/or
their friends. Go to www.isafe.org for more information.
Harshaw
A fable shared with you from Ms. Keir
4
April 2008
The Parking Lot Disaster in the Harshaw Kingdom of Caring
O
nce upon a time there was a primary school that did not have enough parking spaces
to meet the needs of all of the people who would come from far and wide in the
kingdom at dismissal time. Some of the visitors were parking in areas where parking
was not allowed (on both sides of the road entering the parking lot, in front of the building, and
in spaces marked handicapped). The principal of the school in the Harshaw Kingdom of Caring
was very concerned. She needed to make sure there was enough room for emergency vehicles
to enter the parking area, a safe walkway for the parents and little children, and access for those
who were not able to walk a great distance. WHAT EVER SHALL SHE DO?
Well, this principal was said to be one that had great faith in the parents and visitors of the kingdom. She believed that if she
went to them and said, “PLEASE, follow the parking lot rules for the safety of the children,” they would listen. Now there
were those who laughed out loud at this idea. How could simply asking others to care make a difference? This could surely only
happen in a true, “kingdom of caring.”
As the story goes, she was right! Just as sure as April brings spring, the parents were no longer parking on both sides of the
entrance road, they were leaving the handicapped spaces for those who need them, and they were no longer blocking the area
in front of the school. Some were even parking in the parking lot at Kenyon elementary and walking to parent pick-up from
there. Many others joined in the crusade. The school district was supportive and installed signs along the roadway to help
everyone know which side to park on. The drivers were supportive and they slowed down and watched out for all of the people
crossing to and from their cars. The children were indeed safe once again in the Harshaw Kingdom of Caring. Q
-Kathleen Keir, HP principal
Party with the penguins!
O
nce again students in Harshaw will celebrate
International Penguin Day on April 25. Penguin
lovers...please remember to wear black and white (a
red bow tie is optional.)
The day will be filled with games, stories, educational movies
and more. Students in Mr. Baxter’s MS Technology and Mr.
Rosko’s HS Art classes are preparing penguin crossing signs
to control the pace of penguin traffic in our hallways. Radio
station COOL 100 (WCDW) plans to pop in for a special
morning program.
Penguin pencils will be provided to all primary students to
promote printing of numbers and letters on their papers. If
your penguins would like to purchase an approved penguin
treat, they may march their happy feet to the cafeteria. We
look forward to a fun and exciting Penguin day. Q
-Midge Nirchi, first-grade AIS provider
In the photos at right, students get ready for International
Penguin Day by reading books about penguins.
Harshaw/Kenyon
Second grade travels around the world
April 2008
5
Teacher requests
2008-2009
S
tudent placement is something
we take very seriously. Soon you
will be given the opportunity to
complete a 2008-2009 teacher request
form. The entire elementary staff
works very hard to create classroom
placements that offer our children an
educational environment that is both
supportive and challenging. Each
teacher and each student has strengths
and we do our very best to match
student strengths with teacher strengths
when considering classroom placements.
Second-graders study maps and flags of the countries they will visit.
S
econd-graders in Harshaw spent a week traveling around the world.
No, they didn’t take a jet...they walked. January 14-18 was a week
full of world-wide learning as all 140 children traveled in and out of
a number of cultures as they visited each others classrooms.
First stop was Mrs. Knapp’s class in India. Second stop was in Miss Olsen’s
room where children shared their knowledge of Scotland. Third stop: Italy
in Mrs. Marvin’s room. Then it was on to Japan in Miss Zajac’s classroom
and China in Mrs. Collins’ room. The Philippines was in Mrs. Harris’
room, and the final stop was Australia in Mrs. Germano’s room.
Each group of travelers consisted of three to four children from each of
the seven classrooms, allowing children from each group to share their
focus country with their peers. They were all equipped with maps of
the world as they went from country to country. They returned to their
home country with seven different flags and projects. These little travelers
were a well-behaved and knowledgeable group of children. Their teachers
observed with pride how well they traveled around the world. Q
Some parents decide they would like
to complete a parent request form in
order to have a voice in the placement
process. If you would like your parent
request form to be considered for the
2008-2009 school year, here are some
important reminders:
•Each teacher request form must be
completed in full and returned or
postmarked by May 16. Forms will be
available May 1.
•There is no order of selection on the
form. We will do everything possible
to place your child in any ONE of the
classrooms on the list.
•Please call Harshaw at 648-7580 or
Kenyon at 648-7520 if you have any
questions or concerns. Q
-Kathleen Keir & Bernie McDermott,
principals
-Mary Collins, second-grade teacher
Three things in human life are
“important.
The first is to be kind.
The second is to be kind.
And the third is to be kind.
”
-Henry James
Harshaw/Kenyon
6
April 2008
Kenyon April dates
4/22 Kenyon Site Council @ 2:30
4/24 Grade 4 to Kopernik Green, Beach, Rowlands
www.kopernik.org
Kenyon quarterly
Recognition Assembly (note
this is a day earlier than the
District Calendar) @ 1:15 in
the CFE Auditorium.
Report cards issued at the
end of the day.
4/25 Grade 4 to
Kopernik - Winters
and Lapham
Please check the Kenyon calendar
on the www.cforks.org Web site for
updates and more details.
4/29 Grade 4 Science Exam
(a.m.) Performance exam by
class throughout the rest of
the week.
We would like to thank Carla
Vermilyea and Michelle Ashman for
organizing PARP and to the PTA for
sponsoring our guest puppet show
and author. Q
Grade 3 - Finch HollowMoody and Erickson
www.gobroomecounty.com/
parks/ParksFinchHollow
Collaboration at its best!
R
eading and writing. These are very valuable tools and
ones with which our students need to be successful
in and out of the classroom. Teachers in both
Harshaw and Kenyon welcomed teachers from the Groton
and the Owego-Apalachin school districts to share their
craft of teaching and
their work in the
Literacy Collaborative
Framework that has
been an integral part
of the Chenango Forks
literacy instruction for
eight years.
Collaborative to cultivate a community of readers and writers.
Kenyon teachers welcomed teachers from Groton to spend
the day visiting third- and fouth-grade classrooms to see
readers and writers in action. Our visitors had the opportunity
to spend time in Mrs. Rowland’s fourth-grade classroom as
the students engaged
in a reading workshop.
Mrs. Green’s class
demonstrated how to
use the Smart Board
to compose poems.
Third-grade teachers
Mrs. Stankevich and
Mrs. Bender welcomed
their participation in a
writer’s workshop.
Harshaw teachers
Pati Maus and Nicole
Knapp welcomed
their first- and secondThe visit was arranged
grade colleagues
by Jennifer Dove,
from Owego. These
Groton director of
teachers just started
teaching, learning
implementing the
and technology, and
literacy collaborative
Lori DeAngelo, CF
and traveled to CF to
Mrs. Rowlands, left, works with her students while a teacher from Groton observes.
intermediate literacy
learn and grow from our
coordinator, to help support
teachers. Pam Horton,
Groton teachers as they develop a balanced literacy program
Owego literacy specialist, and Emily Regan, CF primary
in their district. The collaboration and conversation around
literacy coordinator, arranged this day of observation and
teaching and learning has been beneficial to all and this
collaboration with the support of the administration teams at is what makes for effective schools, quality teachers and
both districts.
knowledgeable and supportive leadership. Q
In addition to the literacy work at Harshaw over the past
seven years, Kenyon has worked to implement the Literacy
-Lori DeAngelo, intermediate literacy coordinator and
Emily Regan, primary literacy coordinator
Harshaw/Kenyon
April 2008
Outdoor fun
T
his year’s H.E.A.R.T.S. (Health Educational Activities
Related to Standards) outdoors program is off to a
great start with fourth- through sixth-grade students
involved in outdoor adventure activities twice a week. During
February and March we emphasized cross country skiing and
snowshoeing while doing some indoor rock climbing and
sledding. Additionally, we offered periodic weekend outings.
Our trip to Highland
Forest was a fun success
with great snow and
weather. We highlighted
our winter program with
a trip to Greek Peak for
snowboarding in midMarch.
The spring session
will start on April 21.
Canoeing, mountain
biking and a ropes course
will be our focus. Any
interested fourth-through
fifth-grade students
should see Mrs. Hillis
or Mr. Busch for parent
permission slips. Questions may be directed to buschs@
cforks.org or hillisk@cforks.org. The H.E.A.R.T.S. program
has been funded through the Carol M. White Physical
Education Program grant.
Kassidy Bloom and Victoria Doll enjoy the snow.
“Heart”, from page 1.
to eight high and low elements designed to increase the heart rate through
jumping. Each station incorporates either stationary or motor jumping
movements that students enjoyed both individually and with their friends. After
the lessons, students took with them the knowledge of how to take their pulse
and how to bring their heart rate back down. The P.E. teachers also stressed the
importance of maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle by making good choices
on what to put into our bodies to keep our hearts strong.
Mr. McMullen said, “It really opens the kids’ eyes when they look around the
gym and see just how many hands go up when we ask if they know of anyone
who has experienced heart problems or stroke. Our goal is for students to enjoy
physical activity and to get their families involved as well.” Q
-Jarod McMullen and Kelly Hillis, PE teachers
Students participate in the heart healthy obstacle course and the
jump rope stations.
7
-Kelly Hillis, PE teacher
Kenyon
8
Caught with Character
It’s who you are. It’s what you do.
It’s the way you live your life.
Character counts!
Student
Alyssa Bubniak
Corea Clark
Samatha Suer
Hanna Layton
Anthony Webb
Jason Bosa
Lauren Rooney
Kyle Matson
Megan LaVassuer
Nicholas Hutchinson
Jacob Guinan
Collin Topa
Melissa Church
Makaela Stasko
Ruth Banks
Justin Griswold
Katelyn Matson
Miranda Raeder
Shamirah Parliman
Ryan Bronson
Maryanna Wellls
Miranda Raeder
Ben Conklin
Cristal Cadwallader
Raegan Lewis
Angelica Wallace
Virginia Korec
Cody Lamond
Maya Reynolds
Alexis Burge
Jordan Lambiase
Abigail Rosko
Deja Eikenberry
Shamriah Parliman
Kaylea Lockwood
Kendra Vest
Allan Michael Rios
Shawn Bensley
Jack Sherwood
Elizabeth Price
Teacher/Class
Mrs. Bender
Ms. Erickson
Mrs. Hudak
Mrs. Moody
Mrs. Stankevich
Mrs. Will
3rd-grade cafeteria
3rd-grade cafeteria
Mrs. Beach
Mrs. Green
Mrs. Lapham
Mrs. Rowlands
Mrs. Rowlands
Mrs. Winters
4th-grade cafeteria
4th-grade cafeteria
Mr. Allio
Mr. Bender
Miss Edwards
Mrs. Emm
Mrs. Miller
5th-grade cafeteria
5th-grade cafeteria
Mrs. Beaudoin
Mrs. Hamlin
Mrs. Hamlin
Mrs. Hillis
Mrs. Hillis
Mrs. Hillis
Mrs. Mikeska
Mrs. Abbey
Mrs. Abbey
Mrs. Abbey
Mrs. DeAngelo
Mr. Allport
Mr. Allport
Mr. Allport
Mr. Allport
Miss Muraca
Mrs. Robi
April 2008
April 2008
Middle School
Student of the month
Student
Darren Molter
Kaylee Krager
Ariel Roys
Isaiah Zimmer
Samantha Thatcher
Erik Johnson
Alex Singh
Kyle Kelly
Kenny Starr
John Roys
Sebastian Decker
Nicole Szymkowicz
Michael Diekow
Jared Stein
James Allen
Ariel Roys
Stephanie Zdimal
Evan Picciano
Gabrielle Schmidt
Laurie Dupnock
Karis DuBois
Daniel White
Valerie Dybas
Kevin Lamparter
Eric Yonda
Seth Lake
Kelsie Carter
Nathan Barfield
Kelsey Brown
Alicia Sullivan
Connor Luybli
Sarah Maximowicz
Valerie Dybas
Marisa Valdes
Kyle Payne
Allison Yatsonsky
David VanHorn
Logan Hall
Subject
Technology 6
Technology 7
Technology 8
Home & Career Skills 6
Home & Career Skills 7
Home & Career Skills 8
Regents Earth Science
English 7
Science 7
Science 6
English 8
Regents Earth Science
Physical Education
Physical Education
Physical Education
Physical Education
Health
Health
Computers
French 7
Physical Education
Physical Education
Physical Education
Academic Achievement 8
Social Studies
Spanish 7
Social Studies 7
Social Studies 6
Math 7A
Written Expression
Spanish IB
Spanish IB
HS Band
Science 8
Science 8
Art
Art
Reading 6
Chris Ames
Callie Truex
Maddie Staiger
Logan Hall
Maisen Panko
Kelsie Carter
Haley Sterling
Academic Achievement
Math 7
Math 6
Science
General Music 6
General Music 7
English
Teacher
L. Baxter
L. Baxter
L. Baxter
L. Breck
L. Breck
L. Breck
L. Brooks
L. Chestnut
C. Church
K. Church
M. Condon
T. Conner
P. Derr
P. Derr
P. Derr
P. Derr
S. Deuel
S. Deuel
S. Deuel
N. Dimatos
P. Dykeman
P. Dykeman
P. Dykeman
R. Fortier
K. Green
M. Gregrow
P. Griffiths
P. Kamp
D. Lynch
M. O’Hearn
J. Pepples
J. Pepples
K. Robertson
A. Rullo
A. Rullo
J. Russell
J. Russell
J. Stark/
J. Crandell
P. Swartout
M. Tio
T. Urda
T. Vermaat
N. Wildoner
N. Wildoner
M. Zappia
9
10
Middle School
Coaching the Middle Schooler
I
t’s April and our modified spring sports are in full session.
Between 3 and 5 p.m. each afternoon, middle school
athletes pack our fields. At each field you’ll find an often
overlooked but very important educator, the modified coach.
It takes a lot to coach middle schoolers. Just what does it take?
First, you must know the basics of the sport and you must
know how to teach the basics. You must know how to develop
a sometimes inattentive, still growing youngster into someone
that can at least appear as if he or she knows what is going on
out on that field.
Modified coaches need to
be someone the kids will
follow, someone the kids
feel comfortable being
around. Modified coaches
often have to recruit from
the phys-ed classes and the
cafeteria. At C.F.M.S., we
encourage students to join
our sports teams. We do
more than simply post a
sign-up sheet. We do our
best to get every kid to
participate in a sport.
On the other hand, the
coach sometimes has to
cut kids from the team.
Cutting a seventh- or eighth-grader from a team can be the
toughest task any educator faces. Cuts need to be made with
dignity and sometimes counseling. Not making a team can
be painful. With coaches working together, children cut
from one sport often end up in a sport that needs players.
Nonetheless, cutting a modified athlete is still difficult.
Modified coaches also have the responsibility of bolstering the
memory of the middle school athlete. Coaches often collect
forgotten items that are abandoned at the end of practices and
games. It is common for parents to go to the wrong school or
miss a game because their child lost his or her schedule for the
third time. It is not uncommon for a modified player to come
into the office asking “where did my team go?”
These coaches must ensure there is supervision during every
minute of free time. You just cannot leave a group of 13-year
old student/athletes unsupervised for longer than thirty
seconds. To do so invites major and minor upheaval.
Modified coaches must interact with parents. Everyone wants
their kid to play in the game (and at the modified level every
April 2008
kid should play). But there are some who insist their child
should start and play the entire game. Modified coaches need
to promote an idea that is foreign to some adults: winning
really isn’t everything. The win/loss record is not as important
as skills development and student interest in the sport.
Modified coaches need to be excellent teachers. Their teaching
is right out there for everyone to see. Every modified coach
knows the feeling of sending a team onto the field that
performs as if they were lost children from Mars. With middle
schoolers, modified coaches know you must tell them, then
demonstrate, and then
practice everything over
and over while at the
same time keeping them
interested.
Modified coaches also
become academic
advisors and counselors.
It is common for coaches
to track their players’
academic progress.
Additionally, these
coaches often counsel
the players on the many
adolescent issues that
come with their age. So,
with all of these hassles,
why do we want modified
sports? Because it provides a student/school connection.
A connection to school is one of the most proven effective
indicators of school success. It also teaches socialization; kids
must learn how to work together. Additionally, as you know,
obesity and physical fitness are major problems. Modified
athletics are probably our strongest tool for success in those
areas.
So why would one want to be a modified coach? Because it is
fun. Yes, despite all of the above, coaching a team of seventhor eighth-graders can be exciting and fulfilling. At no other
time and in few other activities will you see such growth and
improvement. The teaching done as a coach is rewarding.
Yes, modified coaches truly are important teachers and we
appreciate their efforts.
We ask that you join us in supporting our coaches. Use only
positive cheers from the bleachers. Never undermine their
efforts. Understand the enormity of the “coaches job” and the
importance of their many roles. And join in the fun with the
school, the coach and the kids. Q
-William Burke, MS principal
Middle School
April 2008
11
Good manners
rewarded
Student saves a life
“Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
”
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can.
Tyler Backus
Ariel Roys
E
ighth-grader Ariel Roys
was awarded a special good
character award. While on
vacation over the winter break,
Ariel was given credit for pulling a
near-drowning youngster out of a
swimming pool. We congratulate
Ariel for getting involved and
reacting in an effort that made a
difference. Q
Middle School
April dates
4/4 MS Dance
4/7 Site Council @ 2:15 p.m.
5/14-17 “Spirit of 76” Trip
5/31 HS/MS Bands to
Dorney Park
-Bill Burke, MS principal
6/6 Chorus to Dorney Park
6/13 MS Dress up dance
C
ongratulations to Tyler Backus
for being recognized for his
good manners by the “Press and
Sun-Bulletin”. In a recent newspaper
article, Valerie Zehl reported how
touched she was with his display of
manners after Tyler held a door open
for her. The article covered almost half
a page in the “Press and Sun Bulletin”.
We are very proud that Tyler represents
Chenango Forks Middle School so well
with his good manners. Q
-Bill Burke, MS principal
Olympiad Team competes
T
he CF Middle School
Science Olympiad
Team competed in the
Regional Science Olympiad
competition at M-E High
School on Saturday, March
1. The students prepared for
this event the entire year.
The competition tests the
students on their knowledge
and problem-solving skills.
Our team placed fifth overall
Dan White competes in the track event. and nine students received
medals for their hard work in
ecology, meteorology, oceanography, road scholar and car of
tomorrow. Some events even required them to build a device
to take to the competition.
Any students who will be in seventh-, eighth-, or ninthgrade next year and are interested in joining the team should
contact Mrs. C. Church in the middle school. Great job team.
-Carol Church, MS science teacher
Mrs. Church, front, far right, with her team during the competition.
12
Middle School/High School
And the winner is...
A
little imagination, plenty of hot air and some
scientific knowledge were all part of a fun science
experiment. Students in Mr. Rullo’s eighth-grade
Physical Science class built and raced balloon-powered race
cars. The cars had to relate to forces and to Newton’s first,
second, and third Laws of Motion.
Students created the cars from scratch, using their own
materials and their own imagination. The students in the
photo at right were either distance champions (cars traveling
up to 10.0 meters), speed champions or design champions
(as voted on by their classmates).
Great job to all for your efforts. Sir Isaac Newton would be
proud. Q
Balloon-powered race car champions.
-Andrew Rullo, eighth-grade physical science
It’s a party of languages
A
n English 9 “Tea Party”
Before tackling Charles Dickens’ Great
Expectations, students spent time learning about
life in the 19th century. As part of their culminating
project for this unit, students took part in a Victorian
Tea Party. Refreshments were prepared by the students
which included scones, cucumber sandwiches and several
beautiful reproductions of Miss Havisham’s wedding cake!
French I Haute Couture
The French have always been known for their highfashion standards and eighth-graders entered the world
of Haute Couture last month when they took part in a
French Fashion Show. As the culminating project for the
clothing unit, students designed the costumes, planned
the music, modeled the outfits and prepared refreshments
à la française. Every student played an important
role in this annual undertaking.
Students enjoy their English Tea Party.
French 7 Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras Mask-Making teaches seventh-grade
French students about culture -- and gives them
the opportunity to use feathers and glitter paint to
create their masks. Q
-Nicole Dimatos, MS French and HS English
Students with their completed Mardi Gras masks.
April 2008
High School
April 2008
Student of the Month
Student
Sharon Hartzell
Casey Redfern
Tiffany Evanchof
James Pietrosanti
Mary Katherine Dugue
Stephen Edwards
David Hendrickson
Sarah Andrus
Victoria Pecha
Paul Bartlett
Jason Cummings
Mike FitzPatrick, IV
Morgan White
Ashley Shaylor
Alyssa Hawras
Kristen Warren
Chauna D’Angelo
Lauren Gridley
Lucas Guinan
Jason Waterman
Alexis Lawton
Crystal Canniff
Lucas Guinan
Patrick Reardon
Cameron Cortright
Michael Redfern
XingLin Li
Rikki Fuller
Andrew Hertzog
Dalton Stinson
Marty Beach
Dan Grady
Tim Kane
Brooke Robertson
Course
Math 11B
Spanish III
Spanish IV
Regents Earth Science
Physical Education
Physical Education
Spanish II
Regents Earth Science
Foods II
Math 10 AB
Integrated Algebra
Physical Education
Physical Education
Earth Science
Regents Biology
AP Biology
Economics
Math 10 AB
BCC U.S. History
AP Physics
Regents Physics
French II
French IV
Spanish II
Computer Aided Design
Band
Chemistry
Studio Art 3D
Ceramics
Integrated Algebra 1
Health Education
English 10
Creative Writing
English 9
Teacher
A. Biddle
M. Black
M. Black
L. Brooks
S. Busch
S. Busch
S. Byrnes
T. Conner
D. Daniels
M. Fendick
M. Fendick
N. Fersch
N. Fersch
T. Giovenco
T. Giovenco
T. Giovenco
P. Griffiths
A. Gronski
D. Hooper
S. Laine
S. Laine
J. Myers
J. Myers
J. Pepples
G. Reid
K. Robertson
A. Rullo
J. Russell
J. Russell
T. Sanford
K. Shapiro
K. Taylor
K. Taylor
K. Taylor
13
High School
Chenango Forks Upstagers
presents…
14
April 2008
“A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the
Forum”, by Stephen Sondheim.
T
ogas, tunics and tons of laughs...come join
the Chenango Forks Upstagers for our spring
musical production. Cast and crew have been
working hard for months with Stage Director Tina
Opie, Maestra Barb Fuller and Producer Bridget
Garzo. Many thanks to our supportive families,
friends, teachers and community members who help
make our productions possible. We hope to see you
at our shows. Q
Show Dates:
Friday, April 4 at 7pm
Saturday, April 5 at 7pm
Sunday, April 6 at 3pm
Members of the Upstagers take a break from rehearsal for a group photo.
Ticket Prices:
$5 for senior citizens and students
$7 for adults
~Bridget Garzo, English teacher and Upstagers producer
Getting married in Spanish class
W
hile going to a Spanish-speaking country would be the ideal way to learn about the language and culture, the next
best thing is to recreate it in the classroom.
Students in Mandy Black’s
Spanish IV class, which is offered
through the University at Albany,
participated in Spanish “wedding
ceremonies.” The purpose of the exercise
was to give students the opportunity
to learn and practice the use of the
subjunctive mood while recreating a
real-life situation.
Two “couples” pretended to get married
and used their Spanish-speaking skills
throughout the ceremony, focusing
on the subjunctive mood. As part of
the ceremony, an ex-boyfriend shows
up to stop the ceremony, the mother
of the bride cries, ‘ring pop’, wedding
rings were exchanged, and the class
See “Wedding”, page 16.
The wedding party.
High School
Science Olympiad competition
April 2008
15
T
hey learned in the classroom and then they put
that learning to work in competition. On Saturday,
February 9, the CF High School Science Olympiad
team traveled to Binghamton University for the Science
Olympiad regional competition. This was Chenango Fork’s
22nd consecutive year in regional competition.
This year was another success for the Forks team as they
earned 12 medals, placing them fifth out of 12 teams. Forks
fell short of Vestal’s and UE’s #1 teams, Maine-Endwell and
Seton. Forks finished above Johnson City, Binghamton,
Horseheads, Vestal #2, Union-Endicott #2, Tioga and
Deposit.
Sarah Petko and Corinna Ridgeway earned gold medals in
“Write it Do It”, a technical writing competition.
Forks won silver in “Ecology” with Sharon Hartzel and
Alex Berkowitz; “Cell Biology” with Sharon Hartzel and
See “Olympiad, page 16.
Corinna Ridgeway and Sarah Petko show off their cool gold medals.
It’s a physics lesson...really!
S
tudents in Regents and AP Physics recently ventured outside with sleds in hand as part of a lab experiment. They
experienced firsthand how physics has many real-life applications in something as simple and fun as sledding.
The purpose of the lab was to determine the coefficient of friction between the sled and the snow. The coefficient is a
number that indicates how strong the friction is between two surfaces. While outside, the students measured the angle of the
hill that they were sledding on and recorded time measurements to see how long it took someone to sled down the hill. From
this data alone they were able to set up a series of formulas, using skills they learned in class earlier this year, and perform some
calculations using Newton’s Laws to determine the coefficient of friction. The results came out well with the coefficient of
friction being around 0.50, which is why sledding can be so much fun. And even though the weather was quite cold, everyone
had a great time. Q
-Sabrina Laine, HS physics teacher
Now that we’ve taken the data, let’s have some fun.
District/High School
16
High School
April dates
April 2008
“Olympiad”, from page 15.
4/1 Registration deadline for May SAT
Erin Elder; “Electric Vehicle” with Matthew Kane and Alex
Berkowitz; and in “Robotics”, Robot Ramble with Matthew
Kane and Joe Furey.
4/7 Site Council Meeting @ 2:15 p.m. in HS
conference room
Bronze medals were won in the “Battling Robot event-Sumo
Bots” by Matthew Kane and Joy Furey. Q
4/14-18 No school
-Tim Conner, HS Science Teacher
CF construction update
T
he work associated with the installation of bus lifts at
our bus garage is nearly complete. For the remainder
of the project, the construction bids have been
received and awarded to the following seven contractors:
General:
Daniel J. Lynch, Inc.
Site work:
Smith Site Development, LLC
Electrical:
Blanding Electric, Inc. (Phase One & Two)
Mechanical:
Louis N. Picciano and Son, Inc.
Plumbing:
James L. Lewis, Inc.
Security systems: Control Network Communications, Inc.
Sound system: Brown Sound Equipment Corp.
We expect construction trailers to be placed on-site in early
April and exterior site work to begin shortly thereafter.
Construction documents, submittals and drawing are
currently under review. The first area to be renovated will
be our all purpose stadium including the track, field and
bleachers. Interior work within the buildings will begin after
school is out for the summer.
If you have any questions concerning the capital project,
please contact Kathy Blackman, Business Executive, at
607-648-7564. Q
The 2008 High School Science Olympiad Team.
Front L to R: Josh Stringer, Joe Furey, Alex Berkowitz, Matthew Kane, Joe
Silverio, and James Haley.
Back L to R: Trisha Dupnock, Carmella Ciacelli, Sharon Hartzell, Victoria
Pecha, Tiffany Evanchof, Sarah Petko, Corinna Ridgeway, Erin Elder and
Cassie Burgin.
“Wedding”, from page 14.
toasted the couple with sparkling grape juice. Students also
practiced the subjunctive mood by creating special wishes
for the couple, a Spanish tradition. This classroom activity
helped students understand when to use the subjunctive,
which is used to express wishes, emotions, doubts, demands,
impersonal and negative expressions, and grief. Q
-Mandy Black, Spanish teacher
2008 Census
W
e will be conducting a census again this year to
fulfill the requirements of the Chenango Forks
Central School District Board of Education policy
and Education Law. The census forms requesting updated
information will be mailed in late April or early May to your
home. Included with your form will be a self-addressed,
stamped envelop to assist in the return of the forms. A copy
of the census form will also be available on our Web site at
www.cforks.org. A door-to-door census will be conducted
for those homes that do not return a completed form. The
individuals conducting the census will have clearly displayed
Chenango Forks Central School Identification Badges.
If you have any questions concerning the census, please do
not hesitate to contact Kathy Blackman at (607) 648-7564. Q
Congratulations CF Athletes
Scholar/Athlete teams
April 2008
O
n and off the playing field, our scholar/athletes
excel. To be considered a scholar/athlete team, each
“eligible” varsity sport is given a required number of
scholar/athletes for that particular sport as determined by the
NYSPHSAA. For example, 12 is the required number for the
girls soccer team, while seven is the required number for the
golf team.
17
Congratulations to all our student/athletes for their successes,
both in the classroom and on the field of play. Q
-David Hogan, athletic director
An average of the required number of athletes’ GPA earned
during that sports season’s marking period is computed. If
this average is 90 percent or greater, the members of the team
earned the award. Additionally, each varsity team member
(beyond the required team number) will be recognized
individually if their report for that sport season is 90 percent
or greater.
Girls Basketball
Meghan Spencer, Tori Matt, Haley VanTassel, Michelle Staiger, Cassie Lord,
Lauren Guth and Raychel Shannon.
Girls Indoor Track
Amanda Brewer, Jenna Grems, Nicole Brewer, Yelena Pecheny, Rebecca
Broderick, Sarah Krizan, Kristen Brooks, Amanda Brooks, Jessica Dyer,
Felicia Hertzog, Emily Lowe and Briana Hawras.
Boys Basketball
Garret Cade, Jake Reynolds, Tyler Plahanski, Mike Jeske, Casey Redfern,
Corey Bruet and Matt Mirabito.
Winter sports end-of-season highlights
Girls Basketball - Coach Nick Fersch
All-Division: Allie Bruet, Michelle Staiger
Academic All-Star: Tori Matt
Sportsmanship Award: Becky Foster
See “Sports”, page 18.
18
Congratulations CF Athletes
“Sports”, from page 17.
April 2008
Bowling - Coach John Preston
Wrestling - Coach Rick Gumble
All Division: - Jud DuBois, Kiefer Smyder, Jesse Villella,
Rickey Bronson, Casey LaNave and Matt Bennett
All Conference:
Tory Pecha
All-Division:
Tanner Patrick, Malinda Robinson,
Crystal Canniff
Academic All-Star:
Zachary Vankuren and Tori Pecha
Sportsmanship Award: Joe Wayman and Heather Finn
Team highlight:
Sectional Place Winners: Jesse Barnett - 2nd,
Matt Bennett - 4th, Kiefer Smyder - 3rd,
Jud DuBois - 1st, Nick Stephens - 5th, Jordan Barnett - 4th,
Jesse Villella - 1st, Casey LaNave - 2nd, Tom Voorhis - 1st,
Roger Hall - 5th, Tyler Lusht - 3rd and Rickey Bronson - 1st
This is Tory Pecha’s second year going
to states. Her ending average was a 204.
Boys Basketball - Coach Drew Rullo
Sportsmanship Award and All-Division: Garrett Cade
Academic All-Star: Jake Reynolds
Cheerleading Coach Cyntrece Brown
Academic All-Star:
Brittany Gibbons
Sportsmanship Award:
Brent Fleicher
Congratulations CF Athletes
April 2008
19
Indoor Track & Field - Coach Tina Germano
All-Conference:
Elliot Cook - 1st Team,
Mike Giblin - 2nd Team,
Adam Mills - 2nd Team,
Nicole Brewer - 1st Team and
Emily Lowe - 2nd Team
Academic All-Star: Briana Hawras and Aaron Phelps
Sportsmanship
Award:
Amanda Brewer, Elliot Cook and
Nicole Brewer
Team results: All Conference Relays
Boys Relay - 2nd Team: Dan
Conklin, Joe Guth, Jim Guth and
Justin Bowersox
Girls Relay - 2nd Team: Emily Lowe, Kristen Brooks, Rebecca Broderick and Sarah Krizan
Team highlight:
Elliot Cook, State Qualifier in Pole Vault
Boys Swimming & Diving - Coach Dan Kozlowski
All Conference:
Steven Kwartler, Dan Maximowicz, Stephen Edwards, Max Ginty and Tyler Serva
All-Division:
Tim Kane, Tyler Serva, Stephen Edwards and Dan Maximowicz
Academic All-Star: Steven Kwartler
Sportsmanship
Award:
Tim Kane
Team highlights:
Division Champions, 9-2 overall record.
Team was Elmira Free Academy 2008 Invitational Champions.
Steven Kwartler, Stephen Edwards, Tyler Serva and Dan Maximowicz - 200 Free Relay school record with a
time of 1:29.99.
Steven Kwartler - school records in 50 Free with a time of 21.33 and in the 100 Breast stroke with a time of
59.19.
Steven Kwartler - STAC Record - 100 Breast stroke.
Max Ginty, Stephen Edwards, Tyler Serva, Steven Kwartler and Dan Maximowicz - 2008 State Qualifiers.
20
April 2008
Home of the Blue Devils
CAGO season sign-up
Important Budget Dates
C
Budget Adoption
Thursday, April 3 @ 7:15 p.m., M.S. Library
Budget Hearing
Thursday, May 8 @ 7:15 p.m., M.S. Library
Budget Vote
Tuesday, May 20 from 12 noon to 9 p.m., H.S. Auditorium
Pre-Competitive Swim Lessons
A six-week, pre-competitive swim class will also be offered.
Sign-ups are April 21 at 7:30 p.m. at the high school pool.
Meetings
CF PTA
Special BOE
Tuesday, April 8
Monday, April 21
henango Aquatics (CAGO), a competitive swim
club, will hold sign-ups for the upcoming summer
season on Monday, April 21, at 7:30 p.m. at the
high school pool. Swimmers of any age who are able to
swim one length of the pool unaided are eligible to join. A
swim test will be given to all swimmers during sign-ups, so
come prepared to swim. There are insurance and training
fees involved to join.
6:30 p.m.
TBD
For more information, visit our Web site at
www.cagoswim.com. If you have any questions, contact
Shelley Suer at 648-7008, or elliot@cagoswim.com. Q
Petitions for Board of
Education seat
-Shelley Suer, CAGO
Petitions for the Board of Education seat to fill the expired
five-year term presently held by Don Faith may be obtained
from Dawn Phoenix, district clerk. The new term will
terminate on June 30, 2013. Petitions must be returned no
later than 5 p.m. on April 21, 2008 to Mrs. Phoenix in the
Business Office. A minimum of 25 signatures is required. Q
Private school transportation
Requests for transportation to private schools for the
2008-2009 school year must be submitted by April 1, 2008.
Send requests to Jerry Hartman, Transportation Supervisor,
Chenango Forks Elementary School.Q
Town offices moved
The Town of Chenango Offices have been relocated. The
new address and telephone numbers are listed below.
1529 NY RT. 12
Binghamton, NY 13901
Phone: (607) 648-4809
Fax: (607) 648-8511
1 Gordon Drive
Binghamton, NY 13901
Nonprofit Organization
U.S. Postage PAID
Permit No. 155
Chenango Forks, NY
Superintendent of Schools
Robert Bundy
Assistant Superintendent
Carol Denz
Business Executive
Kathryn Blackman
Communications Coordinator
Linda Myers
ECRWSS
Or Current Resident