Smith Intermediate Celebrates Veterans Day:
Smith Intermediate School students and staff welcomed over 50 veterans and current military members to their school for a Veterans Day Program on Friday November 8th. The Fourth Grade Showstoppers sang several patriotic songs to their special guests.
Research about Veterans Day was done by fourth graders in their library classes. Students presented the research they did to veterans during the assembly.
In preparation for the program, Student Council had made poppies and some of the classes had made "Thank You" cards. The poppies and cards were given to the guests of honor.
A "Veterans Tree" was also created in the front entrance where students and staff were able to hang pictures of past and current veterans from their families ...
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8th Graders Visit NYC on 11/1/2019:
On November 1st, 8th grade students, their teachers and parent chaperones woke up early to take a day trip t o NYC. This trip was planned by social studies teacher, Mr. Gambitta.
Mr. Gambitta has been taking students on this trip for over a decade. He said, “I love to show students where history happened, first-hand. I have been teaching about immigration and the events of 9/11. Seeing Ellis Island and the World Trade Center Memorial helps bring the events to life for the students.”
Another reason Mr. Gambitta planned the trip is because, “for many of our students this trip is the only time they go to New York City, or even leave the general area in which they live. The kids love this trip for many reasons - being together with friends and classmates, riding ...
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Silent Auction 11/16/2019:
The Cortland Enlarged City School District's mission is to provide a safe and positive learning environment. This includes:
Having desks, tables, and chairs suitable for respected age groups at each of our school
Offering flexible seating arrangements whenever possible
Having furniture that allows for collaboration and promotes working together
As we strive to provide our students with a safe and positive learning environment, it has become noticeable that much of our furniture is out of date. In addition, due to the transformation of our five schools to three schools, we have an excess amount of old “stuff” we need to get rid of.
Business Administrator, Kim Vile said, “we have a surplus of desks, chairs, file cabinets and tables. ...
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CECSD Community Invited to Vote on OCM BOCES Nov 19 Referendum:
Cortland Enlarged City School District voters, along with others who live within the school districts of the Onondaga-Cortland-Madison BOCES, are being asked to decide if the educational agency should end its 32-year lease for a campus off Crown Road in Liverpool and purchase the facility for $12.85 million. A public vote will take place on Tuesday, November 19.
The purchase would result in no additional costs for the 23 school districts that participate in shared services through OCM BOCES, said OCM BOCES Deputy Superintendent Colleen Viggiano. Based on a financial analysis of the proposal, the purchase could save districts an estimated $2.2 million over the next 20 years, she said.
Other school districts in the OCM BOCES region are Baldwinsville, Cazenovia, Chittenango, Cincinnatus, ...
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Ghanaian Drumming:
Junior High general music students in Mr. Bellamy, Mrs. Phetteplace and Mrs. Rafferty’s classes visited Barry Primary on Thursday, October 24th to give a special performance of Ghanaian drumming, dance and culture.
Through the performance, they shared information about Ghanaian culture and invited the 2nd grade students to dance and play Ghanaian drums and other instruments. Students were smiling from ear to ear as they performed and played the Ghanaian music. Students and teachers wore traditional Ghanaian dress called a “kente.” The different clothing and meaning behind the colors of the clothing was explained to the 2nd graders by the Junior High Students. One of the songs performed was called Kpanlogo, which is a Ghanaian independence song. ...
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50 Students Inducted to CHS National Honor Society:
On the evening of Monday, October 21st, Cortland High School inducted 50 students into the National Honor Society. Nation al Honor Society membership is for students in grades 10-12 who meet the requirements for membership including demonstration in the following four pillars: Scholarship, Service, Leadership and Character.
Scholarship
Per national guidelines, at a minimum, students must have a cumulative GPA of 85, B, 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or equivalent standard of excellence.
Service
This involves voluntary contributions made by a student to the school or community, done without compensation.
Leadership
Student leaders are those who are resourceful, good problem solvers, and idea contributors. Leadership experiences can be drawn from school or community ...
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October is National Principals Month:
National Principals Month is a month-long event that occurs each October, where school leaders are put in the spotlight for their endless commitment to school leadership. National Principals Month seeks to honor our principals for their significant impact on the success and well-being of our nation’s students.
Our Cortland principals:
Joseph Mack, CHS
John Zarcone, CHS, Grades 11-12
Abe Brafman, CHS, Grades 9-10
Kevin Cafararo, JH, Grades 7-8
Jordan Ashley, Randall Middle, Grades 5-6
Angela Wanish, Smith Intermediate, Grades 3-4
Lisa Kaup, Barry Primary, Grades K-2
Each principal has their own unique story and their own set of motivations for becoming a principal. Abe Brafman ...
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School Board Recognition Week 2019:
Cortland Enlarged City School District is joining all public school districts across the state
to celebrate School Bo ard Recognition Week as a way to honor local board members for their commitment to the education of our children. The New York State School Boards Association recognizes October 21-25 as School Board Recognition Week. This is a time to promote awareness and understanding of the important work performed by our school board members.
“It takes strong schools to build a strong community, and these people devote countless hours to making sure our schools are helping every child learn at a higher level,” Michael Hoose said. “They make the tough decisions every month and spend many hours studying education issues and regulations ...
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Anti-Bullying Week 2019:
At CHS, Principal Zarcone leads the Next Generation Leadership group. This group is comprised of Junior s and Seniors that exhibit leadership qualities and have an interest in making their schools a better place. One topic the group has been discussing is bullying.
According to www.stopbullying.gov , in a large study, about 49% of children in grades 4–12 reported being bullied by other students at school at least once during the past month. Most bullying takes place in school, outside on school grounds, and on the school bus.
Solutions to bullying are not simple. Bullying prevention approaches that show the best way to confront the problem from many angles. Involving the entire school community—students, families, administrators, teachers, and staff ...
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Field Hockey Teams Raises Money for Breast Cancer:
On the evening of October 9th, the Cortland Varsity Field Hockey team played Homer. This was a special game, as both teams wore custom pink jerseys to raise awareness for breast cancer. Donations were taken at the game and all the money raised was donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
The team “Pinked Out” Moiseichik Stadium by decorating the railings with pink banners, balloons and signs, as well as signs that said “I play for…” The decorations were another way to make the focus of the game on raising awareness.
Coach Nicole Latham said, “Both teams played a great game and Cortland ended up winning by a score of 4-0. This was not just a one-sided event, as the Homer Field Hockey team participated in the planning and ...
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Student Council Hosts Harvest Festival 10/25/19:
Student Council will once again be hosting its annual Harvest Festival on Friday, October 25th from 6-8 pm in the
Ea st Commons of the High School. Children of all ages and families are encouraged to attend! The cost is $2 per adult and $1 per child 12 and under.
Activities will include our famous scary (non-scary available) haunted hallway, pumpkin painting, fall treats, games, and fall activities. Children can show up in costumes and prizes will be awarded for costumes and games.
Student Council advisor Charles Canestaro said, “ this is absolutely my favorite event. Last year we had over two hundred elementary school families come out. The kids come dressed up and have such a fun time. In addition, our student council kids love the event. They enjoy creating the ...
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High School Students Participate in Project Adventure:
Propelling, anchor, belay, are all words students in Mr. Mack’s rock climbing class are getting used to using during their Project Adventure unit in Physical Education class at Cortland High School.
Project adventure, is a unit in which students explore activities such as rock climbing, an outdoor ropes course, challenging games, and other leadership and team building activities. Through challenging adventure activities and focused reflection, students become motivated to work together and strengthen their team building skills.
Physical education teacher, Sean Mack said, “with Project Adventure, everyone can get involved. I see students that are often disengaged with school and PE class become really motivated and excited to try out the rock wall and other ...
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Auditorium Project Update October 2019:
If you visit the Junior Senior High School on a regular basis you can not help but notice the dramatic changes occurring: the new traffic pattern, the occasional presence of a crane, the chain link fencing, and higher roof line. The changes are due to the $6.5 million dollar capital project that will upgrade and modernize our auditorium. The auditorium has had relatively little changes since the original construction in 1964 and needed many upgrades and modernization. Almost all of the project (88%) will be funded by the state, and the Board of Education has saved enough in the Capital Reserve Account to cover the other 12% without having to raise the taxes.
In addition to having a construction manager on site, Bob Martin, Cortland Enlarged City School District’s own Director ...
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Clubs at Randall Middle School:
The new Randall Middle School club structure is an intentional way to meet the needs of early adolescents (kids in 5th and 6th grade). Providing voice and choice in a way that is has some structure to it can meet the needs of these kids as they transition from childhood to adolescence. If you look at the needs, you can see how the club system is an attempt to meet these needs in a coordinated manner:
The Need for Physical Activity
The Need for Competence and Achievement
The Need for Self-Definition
The Need for Creative Expression
The Need for Positive Social Interaction
The Need for Structure and Clear Limits
The Need for Meaningful Participation
Students are surveyed in their homeroom classes and choose two clubs for a ten week rotation. After ten ...
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Homecoming Spirit Week Starts 10/15/19 at CHS:
For many, homecoming evokes memories of pep rallies, football games and school spirit!
Traditionally held in October, Homecoming is a time to welcome back alumni and their families,and a time to unify and bring together the student body.
Cortland High School will carry on their Homecoming traditions and will be bursting with school spirit beginning on Tuesday, October 15th. Homecoming Week festivities continue throughout the district and run through Saturday, October 19th.
Each day during this school week features a different dress up theme. To start on Tuesday, October 15, it will be American flag day. Wednesday, October 16th will be neon day, a day to dress in as much neon as you can without needing sunglasses. Thursday will be time to wear your favorite jersey ...
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Positivity Project, 2019:
The Positivity Project’s mission is to empower America’s youth to build positive relationships and become their bes t selves. Mike Erwim and Jeff Bryan, co-founders of the Positivity project said, “These partnerships couldn’t come at a more important time for our youth – and for our nation. In today’s rapidly changing world, character strengths – and a focus on relationships – must be intentionally cultivated from an early age. It is critical to ensure that our mental, emotional, and moral capacities grow alongside our advances in technology.
At many of our schools, we will use the Positivity Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping youth build stronger relationships by recognizing the character strengths in themselves ...
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United Way Day of Caring 9/25/2019:
During the month of September, students at Smith Intermediate School brought in non-perishable food items for the
annual United Way Day of Caring, which was held on September 25, 2019.
Melissa Holl’s third grade class was the leader of the campaign at Smith Intermediate School. Melissa’s students talked to the entire student body in an all school morning meeting and encouraged students to bring food in. With their encouragement, many students brought in food items. Melissa said, “I feel the United Way Day of Caring helps the students realize the importance of the #OtherPeopleMatter. This year during our study of the Positivity Project, we have focused on learning about what #OtherPeopleMatter means. They have learned how to put others first, ...
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Conservation Days Field Trip:
Sixth graders spent the day at 4-H Camp Owahta on September 19th, learning about conservation and the important role it plays in our society. According to the US Department of Agriculture, “conservation Education helps people of all ages understand and appreciate our country's natural resources -- and learn how to conserve those resources for future generations. Through conservation education, people develop the critical thinking skills they need to understand the complexities of ecological problems.”
During the visit to 4-H Camp Owahta, students visited stations and learned the basics of wildlife, invasive species, bird migration, forest management, boating and water safety, and compasses. Each station was led by a knowledgeable and skilled member of the ...
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7th Graders Visit 9/11 Memorial:
Today, Americans join together with somber tributes in remembrance of the 2,976 people that perished in
errorist a ttacks on the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and Flight 93 eighteen years ago. Citizens and students of Cortland, NY were no exception as they gathered this morning in Courthouse Park.
First responders, including police and firefighters, gathered around Courthouse Park. In the center of the park, the memorial is composed of two metal towers reaching towards the sky. This memorial, due to a generous donation from the Trolley Museum in Kingston, NY, was constructed using artifacts from the World Trade Center site. It resembles two steel towers constructed of twisted metal emerging from the rubble and honors the lives lost at the World Trade Center in NYC and represents ...
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Fall 2019 Sports Season Preview:
With the summer days getting ever so slightly shorter, Cortland student-athletes have taken to the fields and started training for the rapidly approaching fall sports season. We sat down with all of our varsity head coaches to discuss the coming fall season. The following will give you a glimpse of what’s to come during the upcoming fall sports season!
Girls Soccer- Ilona Ryon, Head Coach
Cortland Girls’ Soccer has it’s most veteran roster in years, with 17 returning players. Last year the girls finished with 14 wins, 3 losses and 1 tie. This was the best record in history and the girls hope to better it this year. Head coach Ilona Ryan said, “Our captains that will help lead us on the field are: Grace Call, Lillian Quick, Kaitlyn Pratt, Tori ...
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