1 Volume XIV • Issue 3 January 2010 Inter-curricular “Mole Day” Celebrated at BMS Just when you thought you were a mathematical whiz because you know pi day is not a bake-off, a group of teachers decide to celebrate mole day, which is not in honor of a very small mammal. A mole, or mol, is a unit of measure for very large quantities, or, more specifically, a chemical mass unit, defined to be 6.022 x 1023 molecules, atoms, or some other unit. This was the first of four “event days” planned by the grades 7/8 blue team teachers. Each one will allow students to take part in varied activities in each of their core content area classes (math, science, social studies, and ELA) that are centered around a theme, component, or event from one of the four subjects. Mole Day, for example, was the sciencebased event day. In science class with Justin Young, students shaped moles (the animal) using one mole of aluminum foil. In ELA with Kerry McBride, mole facts were researched on the internet then displayed in class, and each student created a scrapbook to record important information and reflections about this and subsequent event days. In social studies with Lori Holmes, students read a history of chemist Lorenzo Romano Amedeo Carlo Avogadro, for whom the number of molecules in one mole was named (Avogadro’s number) in honor of his contributions to early molecular theory. Students gleaned information from the reading - just as they do in other history readings and documents - then placed the facts on the back of cut-outs shaped like the animals, colored their moles, and hung them from hangers to create “mole-biles”. In math class with Gigi Dombrowski, students discussed and named numbers up to a google (the numeral one followed by 100 zeros) and a googleplex (the numeral one with 1000 zeros) because a mole is such a large number. In fact, if you had one mole of unpopped popcorn kernels and spread them across the US, the country would be covered in popcorn nine miles deep. Mr. Young, dressed in mole day garb, shows his science class a mole made from a mole of aluminum foil which the students were then expected to make. Two In College’s Honor Society Two BHS students, Devon Kleinbach and Carissa Hyde, were inducted into Genesee Community College’s Alpha Iota Upsilon chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, an international honor society. Devon and Carissa are two of only eleven high school students this year who have become Phi Theta Kappa members out of nearly 2700 high school students currently taking college credit courses through Devon Kleinbach and Carissa Hyde were inducted ACE (Accelerated College Enrollment) into GCC’s Alpha Iota Upsilon chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, an international honor society. programs at GCC. Established in 1918, Phi Theta Kappa recognizes and encourages the academic achievement of two-year college students and provides opportunities for individual growth and development through honors, leadership, and service programming. To be eligible for membership, one must have completed a minimum of twelve non-remedial credit hours through GCC, have a cumulative grade point average of 3.6 or better, and have no grades of F (fail/no credit) or IP (in process - an extension granted to complete the course requirements) on his/her transcript. A+ Batavia Communicator 2 Facing Another Year of Financial Uncertainty By Margaret Puzio, Superintendent of Schools I hope that the holidays were relaxing and you and your families enjoyed some good times together. With the new year, we turn to the difficult task of developing a spending plan for the 20102011 school year. This year’s work is made more difficult by New York State’s dire financial situation. Because the District is so dependent on state aid, the prospects are somewhat bleak. Governor Paterson proposed mid-year cuts to this year’s state aid. When the legislature rejected mid-year cuts, he proposed withholding state aid payments to school districts across New York State. This makes it very difficult to plan for our future. The Board and I remain positive in our commitment to provide the students of this community with the quality of education that they deserve in spite of the bad news out of Albany. During the past several months, the Board of Education, Mr. Rozanski, and I have been discussing the District’s financial parameters and, based upon these parameters, have built an initial spending plan for the upcoming 2010-2011 school year. Our discussion has centered on our need to develop a budget that holds the line on taxes, but at the same time maintains the instructional support our students need as we continue our mission to improve student learning. What will be a fundamental question for us will be the long term impact of the District’s state aid projections in light of New York State’s financial crisis. As always, our goal will be to minimize our need for additional local funds to achieve our goals. I am afraid it will be somewhat of a waiting game as the news trickles out from Albany. In the past, Batavia has been treated very well under the Foundation Aid formula. When the state legislature and the governor agreed to the Foundation Aid concept in 2007, it was clear that our state representatives truly listened to our needs and were able to incorporate our needs into the Foundation Aid concept. However, today we find ourselves in a very different financial climate and that presents us with a different kind of challenge. As in past years, during the month of January we will review our preliminary 2010-2011 spending plan with our budget ambassadors. This is the fourteenth year of this program. These meetings are open to the public and will take place on two Tuesdays in January – the 12th and the 19th - at 7 p.m. in the Administration Building on Washington Avenue. Since the inception of the budget ambassadors program, we continue to be impressed with the commitment of our ambassadors and their willingness to openly share their thoughts (both positive and negative) about our proposed spending plan as well as the state of education in Batavia in general. We have many ambassadors who return to the job year after year and for this we are truly appreciative. It is this process that assists us in establishing our priorities as we review our expenditures and programs to determine what we can either reduce or eliminate. By mid-March we will have the budget that we will present for your consideration in May. With the help of our local media we will be providing you updates on the progress we are making. In closing, if you would like to discuss the above with me or would like to talk about any other issues or express your concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at 343-2480, x1000 or at [email protected]. Music Brightens Season The highlights of December certainly include the many musical performances throughout the District. In addition to the traditional on-stage concerts of talented musicians, students shared the gift of music in other ways. For example, the Jackson Elementary Handbell Choir, consisting of 35 first and second graders and directed by Robin Crowden, performed for students at the NYS School For the Blind in early December. As pictured here, after playing seasonal selections, Ms. Crowden invited students from the School for the Blind to join the choir onstage and play the handbells when signaled with a touch on their shoulder by their Jackson accompanist. Later in the month, as pictured below, the Morris Chorus had a great time caroling and performing at the Vendor Blender Sale at Robert Morris Elementary. A+ Batavia Communicator Page Turners Earn First and Second Place 3 Our two elementary Page Turner teams came in first and second at this year’s first competition. Batavia White tied with Warsaw at 22 points, and Batavia Blue was a close second with 21 points. The competition provided participants with the opportunity to work as a team and show off their collective knowledge about 15 books assigned for the winter session. In addition to reading, students meet once a week to prepare for Page Turner competitions. Offered for students in grades 3-5 through the ACE program with teachers Debbie Loftus and Karen Shuskey, competitions are organized through Genesee Valley Educational Partnership (formerly known as GV BOCES). Another competition, based on a new list of books, will be held in April. Residents and the Budget Process In preparation for the 20102011 budget proposal which will be voted on in May 2010, the District has been working hard on developing a plan for meeting the needs of the students while keeping the expectations of taxpayers in mind. As a resident of the District, in addition to contacting the administrative offices at any time with your comments and concerns, you have three formalized avenues for voicing your opinion about the budget - become a Board of Education (BOE) member, become a budget ambassador, or attend the monthly BOE meetings, particularly the one on February 8, 2010. The information gathered from the staff, the ambassadors, and the public are what the Board members take into consideration as they sit down to develop the Proposed Budget. This year, two BOE positions will open. These are elected positions with three-year terms beginning in July, voted on at the same time as the 2010-2011 budget. Interested residents may pick up the necessary paperwork from the Administrative Building at 39 Washington Avenue after March 22, 2010. Budget ambassadors volunteer by responding to the District’s advertised need for ambassadors, which was done in the fall, and then being appointed by the BOE. Ambassadors agree to meet with the superintendent and business administrator to review the Preliminary Budget and make recommendations to the Board. Typically, the ambassadors commit to two three-hour meetings. The BOE meeting on February 8, is set aside specifically for residents to voice their financial concerns and suggestions about the 2010-2011 school year before the budget is finalized. The process for developing the budget for the 2010-2011 school year officially began in October when we advertised for budget ambassadors and when the BOE established bud- by Scott Rozanski, Business Administrator get parameters and solicited preliminary budget requests from principals, directors, and department chairpersons. It continued into November as the preliminary budget requests were due and the BOE appointed the ambassadors. In December, the Proposed Administrative Budget was completed. Following is a summary of important dates pertaining to the development of the 2010-2011 budget, the vote, and New York State’s School Tax Relief program (STAR) deadlines. • January 12 and 19: Budget ambassadors meet to review proposed Administrative Budget, then submit recommendations to the Board. • February 8: Board of Education meeting to begin review of proposed Administrative Budget (and Propositions, if any), and to solicit comments from the public. • February 22 and March 8: At BOE meetings, Board continues its review of the proposed Administrative Budget (and Propositions, if any). • March 1: Deadline for residents of the towns of Batavia and Stafford for filing STAR application. • March 22: BOE completes their review of the proposed Administrative Budget (and Propositions, if any); Board establishes tentative 2010-2011 Budget, and (and Propositions, if any). Applications for BOE positions become available after this meeting. • April 3, 10, 17, and 24: Weekly legal publication in newspaper to announce the coming vote on Proposed 2010-2011 Budget (and Propositions, if any). • April 21: Voter Registration Day at Batavia City School District Administration Building, 39 Washington Avenue, from 12 noon to 5 p.m., and 7-9 p.m. • May 3: Proposed Budget is published and available for review. • May 4: Presentation of Budget (and Propositions, if any) and questions from the public, Jackson Elementary, 7 p.m. • May 18: Public Vote on Budget, Board of Education positions (and Propositions, if any); 12 noon - 9 p.m. A+ Batavia Communicator 4 Fourth Graders Actively Study Native Americans Part of the fourth grade curriculum is studying Native Americans, and the unit offers plenty of learningby-doing activities. At John Kennedy, for example, Erin Dawson’s students built Iroquois villages in class with the help of parent volunteers, being sure to include such necessities as a longhouse, fire pit, forest, natural water source, and the “three sister” crops (beans, corn, and squash). During the school’s annual Native American Studio Day, all fourth graders participated in a variety of activities designed to explore and experience Native American food, music, games, toys, and craftmanship. Robert Morris students’ cross-curriculum experience culminated with a performance for the school and families. Students sang songs about taking care of the earth, walking in beauty, learning new things, and striving to do your best. Artwork also was displayed all around the multipurpose room for the program. During John Kennedy’s Native American Studio Day, fourth graders tested their hunting skill by throwing a “spear” at a moving target. Differentiating Instruction: What Does it Mean? by Pam Schunk, Director of Learning “Differentiation is a philosophy that helps teachers to plan strategically in order to reach the needs of the diverse learners in classrooms today toward targeted expectations.” (Gayle Gregory and Carolyn Chapman, 2001) Have you even noticed that some of the students in a child’s class may be completing different types of projects or assignments on the same topic? Although this may appear to be inconsistent, it is likely an intentional approach known as differentiating instruction (DI). Educators use DI to match instruction to meet the diverse needs of learners. DI presents opportunities for students to experience learning in a way that addresses their different interests, readiness and/or learning styles, by differentiating the content, process and/or product of the lesson. DI is not new to educators in our District – it is a philosophy that has been guiding what we do. Most teachers have had training and use the approach as part of the many strategies they incorporate daily. Recently, several educators from the District had the opportunity to join a multi-year, regional effort to serve as a resource, in order to support teachers in their efforts to provide Differentiated Instruction for students. This endeavor is mostly funded through a grant that was awarded to the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership (formerly known as the GV BOCES). The team started during the summer of 2009 by attending a two-day Train-the-Trainer workshop with Gayle Gregory, a well-respected consultant and author known for presenting practical strategies that are easily implemented in the classroom. The team that is part of this initiative will be providing information and support to help the District to continue to move forward in our efforts to truly meet the needs of all students. Teachers’ DI Share Fair Middle School faculty held a Share Fair in December so teachers could swap differentiated instruction (DI) strategies with each other and consequently expand their individual set of techniques for reaching students. For instance, seventh grade math teacher Andy Kiebala’s presentation, Using Games to Increase Math Skills, highlighted some of the Promethean interactive whiteboard games he has created to help students learn or reinforce math facts and concepts. Sixth grade teacher Karen Mosgeller offered Think-Tac-Toe, in which a menu of activities, centered around one main topic, are provided so students can choose how they will be actively engaged in what they are learning. Physical education teachers Teresa Cline, Rich Brown, and Nate Shirk demonstrated how they use individual goal setting as students participate in simulated rock climbing on the wall installed in their gym. All ideas presented could be adapted to many if not all other subject areas. Special education teacher Lucille DiSanto (on left in picture)explains her Learning Centers approach in which each thematic unit can be approached with activities in tactile design, reading, science, English/language arts, math, social studies, art, an individualized project that focuses on a personal goal, and scrapbooking to record class activities. A+ Batavia Communicator 5 A Math Dance and Other Teaching Tactics by Math Coaches Rebecca Battisti and Mary Calvert After attending a conference given by a highly respected expert on brain compatible instructional strategies that help the brain learn best, District elementary math coaches Rebecca Battisti and Mary Calvert shared games and activities at grade level meetings to give our teachers additional concrete techniques that can be utilized in their classrooms to meet the needs of diverse learners. For instance, one specific activity to address long division using a compatible strategy is the Long Division Dance. Fifth grade students were taught arm movements to symbolize the steps to long division (divide, multiply, subtract, bring down) to the beat of a familiar song. “Divide” is a bracket made by fingertips touching with one arm horizontal and the other vertical; “multiply” is arms crossed in an x in front; “subtract” is one arm held horizontally; “bring down” is a fist held up then brought down. The activity utilized two of the 20 top strategies - music and movement. The rest of the top strategies that can be incorporated into activities are writing, storytelling, mnemonic device, visuals, reciprocal teaching, discussion, games, humor, role play, visualization, drawing, graphic organizer, field trips, work study, manipulatives, metaphors/analogy/simile, project basedinstruction, and technology. Technological “Trip” Provides Bounty of Learning Utilizing District technology, a number of classes tuned in to the video conference, Sailing Into Thanksgiving, provided by the Mariner’s Museum in Newport News, Virginia. At Robert Morris, Sarah Grammatico’s second graders enjoyed learning about what ship life was like on the pilgrim’s voyage to the New World, as detailed by the docent at the museum. Mrs. Grammatico said, “He showed the students samples of toys they would have had with them. He also showed the children what the dried food would have looked like.” Said Kristina Clark, whose Jackson kindergartners also participated, “We learned all about the pilgrims and how they traveled to the New World. We learned about what they brought with them and their long trip here. We also learned about how the Native Americans helped them to plant and harvest food and how they had the First Thanksgiving Dinner. We learned the Sailing into Thanksgiving song… and (pictured right) made our own Mayflower boats and learned all the parts including the hull, mast, and sails.” This activity fit in well with her room’s Native American November theme - complete with a teepee where the children could go to read, and a guest speaker who came in to talk about her clan, show real artifacts, and teach some of her native language. At the Middle School, where Lucille DiSanto’s class enjoyed learning about the pilgrim’s first voyage to America through the curator’s re-enactment, she said, “The video conference enabled our students to ask questions pertaining to the pilgrim’s first voyage, tying directly into their social studies curriculum…. It was an excellent learning experience for all. We look forward to using it again in the near future.” A+ Batavia Communicator 6 For First Time, Gymnastics Team is League Champion This fall, our varsity gymnastics team won the MCPSAA (Monroe County Public School Athletic Association) 2009 Girls Gymnastics League Championship, Division II, for Section V. This is the first time in District history that the team won a divisional title! Coached by BHS physical education teacher Stephani Hamilton, team members include (from left to right) Sabrina DiSalvo, Emily Sallome, Natalie Sharpe, Madison Musilli, Rebecca Gouger, Sarah Stendts, Jessica Derefinko, Sydney Durawa, Erin Hurlbut, and (not pictured) Heather Schiffmaker. Swimmer Set Records, Qualified for States The girls’ swim team had a great showing at sectionals, where, overall, they came in seventh for Class B and had several place finishes. Catherine McAllister had a particularly good showing as she qualified for the State competition in the 200 yard individual medley, broke two school records - in the 200 yard individual medley and 100 yard backstroke - and earned the Division Sportsmanship Award, which is voted on by coaches. Computerized Payment System for Cafeterias By Scott Rozanski, Business Administrator Batavia City School District’s cafeterias now offer a computerized system for meal purchases. While students still have the option of paying as they go through the line, this new system has many advantages for both students and parents. Students have a PIN (personal identification number), which will be entered into a pin pad specifically designed for school cafeteria use. When they go through the cafeteria line, instead of having to pay with cash, their account can be charged the amount of the purchase and the money owed will be automatically deducted from their account. In addition to reducing the chance for breakfast and lunch money to be forgotten, lost, or stolen, using the computerized point of sale system (POS) will also enable the cafeteria lines to move more quickly so students have more time for eating. If paying by cash, a student can elect that any change that is due back be automatically added to their account. This feature will help reduce any lost coins or allow the student to save for future purchases. The convenience to parents is being able to view and manage their children’s school meal accounts from any computer that has an internet connection. When logged on to the program site (through a link on the District website), they can check the balance, view a report of recent transactions, and add funds to the account using a major credit card or PayPal. Prepayment can be used for breakfast, lunch, milk, ice cream, snacks, or any combination. Each online payment of $50.00 or more will generate a free lunch. Prepaid accounts allow parent’s to deposit money in their child’s account, A+ Batavia Communicator in any amount, at any time, without concerns about giving their student the exact change every morning. Parents can prepay with one payment for all children, regardless of the school building that they attend, but must identify each child and each amount so proper allocation can occur. Parents can also receive a “low balance” alert via email. If a parent wants to place restrictions on the account, they can do so and that notification will appear on the cashier’s screen for action by the cashier. If a parent is concerned about a food allergy their child has, they can notify the school nurse with this information and a warning can be programmed in to appear on the cashier’s screen for a quick review of the items on the student’s meal tray. We hope that families will find that the many features of this alternative benefits them. 7 Our Musicians in Area All-State Festivals, RPO Eighth grader Michael DiBacco (in picture on right) was selected to perform in the middle school concert band at the NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) Area All-State Festival held at Greece Athena High School in early November. Michael was selected because, last year, he played a level 5 tenor sax solo and scored a 97 out of 100. Three BHS students (in picture on left) also were selected to participate in the Area All State Music Festival - their’s was held in Letchworth in late November: Melissa Ogozaly and Melanie Case (seated on left and right, respectively) were selected for the band and Carly Palmer (seated center) was selected for the choir. In order to be selected, students must have competed at the NYSSMA Solo Festival during the previous spring and received an “outstanding” score. Three BHS students (in picture on right) participated in the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra’s Gala Holiday Pops Concert in December: Seated left to right, Melissa Ogozaly, Ian Davis, and Maryssa Peirick were part of The Festival High School Chorale which was co-directed by Amy Story and Harold McAulliffe. You’re Invited… Following are some community-oriented highlights from our calendar. Please note that all activities are subject to change. Updates are available by checking the calendar on the District website (www.bataviacsd.org), or calling the appropriate school or office. In addition, the schedule for sporting events, because of its extensiveness as well as the frequency of changes on it, can be accessed on the internet by following the Athletics link from our website or by going directly to www.schedulesonline.org/ and selecting “Batavia” from the drop-down menu for “District Name” then proceeding to make menu selections according to the information desired. For those without internet access, the schedule can be obtained by calling the District Athletics Office at 343-2480 x2003 and requesting that a copy be mailed. January 4 Board of Education meeting, Richmond Library, 7 p.m. 18 No school; Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 23-24 District Winterguard Show 25 Board of Education meeting, Administration Building, 7 p.m. 26 GWMEA All-County Music @ BHS 26-29 Regents Exams 29 Early dismissal for students; half-day of staff development February 2 4 National Job Shadow Day BHS Electives Fair for parents and students (demonstrations and information on the electives available), BHS main cafeteria, 6-8:30. • Future Freshman Parent Informational Meeting, for parents of eighth graders, BHS auditorium, 7 p.m. • College Selection Process Meeting for parents of sophomores and juniors who are interested in learning more about the college search process, BHS small cafeteria, 7 p.m. • Financial Aid Presentation for par ents of seniors who are interested in learning more about the financial aid application process for college, BHS Library, 7 p.m. 8 Board of Education meeting with focus on community discussion of 2010-2011 District Budget; Administration Building, 7 p.m. 15-16 Presidents’ Day recess A+ Batavia Communicator 17 No school for students; Superinten dent’s Conference Day 22 Board of Education meeting, Administration Building, 7 p.m. March Highlights 2-30 District Art Show at Rich mond Library 5-6 High School musical, 7 p.m. 8 Board of Education meeting, 7 p.m. 11 Concert: High School Pops, 7 p.m. 22 No school for students; Superinten dent’s Conference Day • Board of Education candidate paper work available for pick up at the Administration Building 25 Music in Our Schools Concert @ BHS, 7 p.m. 8 Seven Earn Black Scholars’ Early Recognition Five seniors - Brionna Majors, Sha’lana Odom, Devonte’ Rolle, Brandon Williams, and ShunDella Williams - and two juniors Lashanna Mims and Jykiya Powell - received Early Recognition/Certificates of Achievement from the Urban League of Rochester, NY, Inc. The Early Recognition Program, a component of the League’s Black Scholars Program, is used to identify, encourage, and support high school students with high academic abilities. Once students are identified, they are eligible for the League’s assistance and guidance in academics as well as in college and career planning. Students who maintain at least a B average through to the end of the third marking period of their senior year are confirmed as Black Scholars and can participate in many college-related activities offered and apply for scholarships only offered to Black Scholars. Recipients of Certificates of Achievement were (back left to right) Brandon Williams, ShunDella Williams, Devonte’ Rolle, (front l to r) Lashanna Mims, Sha’lana Odom, Jykiya Powell, and Brionna Majors. For the People, By the People “We the Students in fourth grade, in order to form a more perfect society...” and so begins the Classroom Constitution for fourth graders at Jackson Elementary. Followed by seven articles, the document forms the basis of the students’ in-class government that teachers Joseph Rebisz, Jamie Polhamus, and Nathan Moore established so students could learn first-hand about the components of our federal government and how they work together. Each classroom has a president and vice president, with the remaining students filling positions in either the Senate or House of Representatives, and the teachers serving as the Supreme Court members. Students are able to introduce bills that deal with procedures and policies within their classroom, and try to pass them through Congress. If the bill is voted on and passed, the president can sign it or veto it. “They put a lot of thought and discussion into what is best for the class, and not just what they want,” says Mr. Rebisz. A recent bill, for example, proposed that students be able to to collect more “marbles” The City School District of Batavia (their in-class point system for earning class rewards such as a party) for each Math Facts Jackson Elementary School competition they win against the other fourth grade class. The discussion centered on John Kennedy Elementary School Robert Morris Elementary School two key points: a bigger prize could serve as an incentive for students to study harder, Batavia Middle School but could also result in too many class parties. The vote was close, but it did not pass. On Batavia High School the other hand, students have voted to change their learning group names every Superintendent – Margaret L. Puzio BOE Members (with terms ending in): month, and to have lunch with their Patrick Burk.................. 2010 teachers more often than the original Steven Mountain........... 2010 schedule of once per week. Wayne Guenther........... 2011 Steven Hyde.................. 2011 “The students love it,” says Mrs. Andrew Pedro................ 2012 Polhamus, “and they are very vested Gail Stevens................... 2012 because the bills they write deal with Gary Stich..................... 2012 procedures and policies within their District Office classroom. They really have a say, and 39 Washington Avenue, Batavia, NY Hours: M-F 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. really can change things.” www.bataviacsd.org 585-343-2480 Mrs. Polhamus delivers a bill for discusDistrict Newsletter Editor – Kathie Scott sion to the House of Representatives. A+ Batavia Communicator
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