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Local Students Celebrate Community Spirit Through Creative Partnership with Cortland Public Library Local Students Celebrate Community Spirit Through Creative Partnership with Cortland Public Library: A heartwarming initiative has emerged from a collaboration between local educators and the Cortland Public Library, highlighting the importance of community engagement among young learners. Mrs. Christina Hegedus and Mrs. Michelle Ryan recently partnered with Tammy Sickmon from the library to create meaningful educational experiences for first and second graders. In November, the trio kicked off festivities for National Picture Book Month, with Tammy leading a program designed to instill a love for reading and storytelling in the young students. This engaging event set the stage for further discussions about community values and history. This month, the focus shifted to the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Mrs. Ryan guided the students in exploring Dr. King's dedication to community ...
December 17, 2024 Board of Education Meeting December 17, 2024 Board of Education Meeting: Cortland Board of Education met at its regularly scheduled time and learned about newly proposed courses The Board of Education gathered for its monthly meeting on December 17, 2024, to review key updates and discuss important items impacting the school district.  The meeting commenced promptly with a call to order, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, a recitation of the Board norms, and a moment of silence. After these formalities, the Board moved into an Executive Session to address confidential matters before reconvening in an open session. In the Open Session Mr. Edwards' presentation reviewed past deadlines regarding activity at the NY State Governor's Office State Education Department regarding changes in regional certification and the Strength and Needs ...
The Board of Education Appoints a New Board Member at the November Meeting The Board of Education Appoints a New Board Member at the November Meeting: The Cortland Board of Education held a regular business meeting on November 26, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at the Kaufman Center, 1 Valley View Dr.  The Cortland Board of Education convened for its regular business meeting on November 26, 2024, at the Kaufman Center, located at 1 Valley View Dr.  The meeting, which began at 6:00 p.m., featured presentations by Superintendent of Schools Bob Edwards and a budget discussion focusing on debt service projections with the goal of minimizing impact to the taxpayers. Mr. Edwards' presentation  began with recent changes to the district phone system which now allows staff members to stay connected wherever they go, staff phone extensions would now “follow” them to whatever office or classroom they are moved to. ...
Cortland Staff Awarded Tenure Cortland Staff Awarded Tenure: The Cortland Enlarged City School District proudly announces the awarding of tenure to three esteemed staff members: Judith Darsky, a High School Psychologist; Roy Pratt, a Junior High School English Teacher; and Devon Tennant, Junior High School Social Worker. This significant achievement reflects their dedication to education and commitment to the well-being of their students. Tenure, a permanent and guaranteed contract in academia, has a rich history dating back to the 1600s. Its primary purpose is to uphold academic freedom, shielding educators and researchers from potential dismissal due to political or social backlash, as well as ensuring that academic pursuits remain focused on the quest for knowledge rather than external opinions. The awarding of tenure signifies a recognition ...
Trash Compactor will save Time, Money and the Environment Trash Compactor will save Time, Money and the Environment:  In a significant move towards sustainability and cost-efficiency, the Cortland School District has recently rented a new trash compactor from Syracuse Haulers. Dubbed the Purple Compactor, the compactor allows the district to streamline waste collection, significantly reducing the frequency of trash pickups. The compactor is designed to hold a substantial amount of waste, and once it reaches 80% capacity, the crew will call for a pickup. Currently, the district's trash truck services each school three times a week, but with the introduction of the compactor, officials estimate that waste disposal will only be necessary once every three weeks when school is in session. "This innovative solution not only represents a cost-saving measure for the district but also demonstrates ...
Schools Across the District Honor Veterans on Veterans Day Schools Across the District Honor Veterans on Veterans Day: In a heartfelt tribute to those who have served in the armed forces, classes throughout the district came together to celebrate Veterans Day with a variety of meaningful activities. Students engaged in a range of projects designed to express their gratitude and appreciation for the sacrifices made by veterans. One of the highlights of the commemorations was at Smith School, where the community held a special veterans celebration. The event featured performances by students, who sang patriotic songs that resonated with the audience, creating a warm and festive atmosphere. Veterans in attendance were honored with cards crafted by the students, each one filled with personal messages of thanks and admiration. The initiative encouraged students to connect with local veterans and express their ...
Cortland Board of Education Discusses Key Initiatives and Challenges at October Meeting Cortland Board of Education Discusses Key Initiatives and Challenges at October Meeting: The Cortland Board of Education convened for its regular business meeting on October 29, 2024, at the Kaufman Center, located at 1 Valley View Dr.  The meeting, which began at 6:00 p.m., featured presentations by Superintendent of Schools Bob Edwards with notes from Jaime Francey-Henry about the NYSUT Disconnected Conference, a district data report from Director of Curriculum and Instruction Katie Swanson, the external audit report, and a Budget Presentation by Business Administrator Kristopher Williamson. Mr. Edwards' presentation highlighted upcoming topics that are being discussed regionally and state-wide.  One of the primary topics on the agenda was the growing concern over cellular phone use in schools. Mrs. Francey-Henry shared from her experience at the NYSUT ...
Pumpkin Palooza Brings Community Together in a Spooktacular Celebration Pumpkin Palooza Brings Community Together in a Spooktacular Celebration: The annual Pumpkin Palooza hosted by the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) was an overwhelming success, drawing families from all corners of the community for an evening filled with fun, festivities, and fall flavors. With an incredible turnout, the event saw a delightful mix of laughter and cheer as families gathered to celebrate the season. The buzz was palpable as attendees enjoyed a variety of offerings, including pumpkins, cider, and delicious donuts. However, the excitement was so high that by 7 PM, the PTO ran out of these beloved treats—a testament to the overwhelming support from families in the area. “The communication to the community was outstanding, and we couldn’t be more grateful for everyone who came out,” said teacher Staci Lann. “We want ...
Cortland Community Celebrates National School Board Recognition  Week Cortland Community Celebrates National School Board Recognition Week: The Cortland Purple Tigers community is gearing up to honor the dedicated service of the Cortland Board of Education during School Board Recognition Week, which will take place this week. This special week is an opportunity to acknowledge the tireless efforts of school board members who work diligently to enhance the educational experience for students within the district. The Cortland Board of Education, comprising seven adult members and one student ex-officio member, plays a pivotal role in shaping the district's vision and ensuring that the needs of both staff and students are met. What makes their commitment even more commendable is that these board members serve on a volunteer basis, dedicating countless hours without financial compensation. "Recognizing the service of ...
New Turf Celebration New Turf Celebration: The Cortland Enlarged City School District was thrilled to invite the public to its New Turf Celebration taking place at Moiseichik Field. The festivities commenced immediately following the girls varsity field hockey game. The event marks a momentous occasion for students, staff, and community members who recently gathered on Moiseichik Field to commemorate the official opening of the new athletic turf. This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a venue for games, classes, and practices for various sports teams throughout the school year. Members of the Cortland community played a crucial role in the celebration, with notable figures joining in the festivities. Ribbon holders and cutters included Athletic Booster Club President Machell Phelps, Athletic Director Coach Beam, Board President ...
BOE News BOE News: September 17, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. The Cortland Board of Education held a regular business meeting on September 17, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at the Kaufman Center, 1 Valley View Dr. During last night's Board of Education meeting Superintendent of Schools, Bob Edwards, shared information about recent visits to school buildings within the District.  Mr. Edwards shared that there are upcoming Educator and Community Sessions, hosted by NYSED, to advance the dialogue around Graduation Measures for all students and that this opportunity for feedback, along with the Foundation Aid study and a regionalization survey seem to point in the direction of a focused effort toward shifts that will come in the budget process for the 2025-2026 school year.  Mr. Edwards highlighted our new ...
Early College High School at CHS Early College High School at CHS: The Cortland Class of 2028 is poised to embark on an innovative educational journey as they embrace the unique opportunity of the Early College High School program, which allows students to earn their high school diploma while simultaneously accruing college credits through Tompkins Cortland Community College (TC3). This groundbreaking initiative is designed to empower students by providing them with the chance to earn a minimum of 24 college credits, with the potential to reach up to 60 credits by the time they graduate. By integrating high school and college coursework, students will not only save time but also reduce future college expenses, setting them on a path to academic and professional success. In addition to academic benefits, the program offers a comprehensive suite of career ...
Cortland Schools Receive Boost from Community Supply Drive Cortland Schools Receive Boost from Community Supply Drive: In a heartwarming initiative to support local educators, Guthrie Cortland Medical Center has teamed up with the Rotary Club of Cortland for the annual Teacher’s Pet School Supply Drive. This week, the organizations delivered multiple bins brimming with essential school supplies to teachers in the Cortland and Homer School Districts, ensuring they start the new academic year fully equipped. The drive was a resounding success, thanks to the incredible generosity of Guthrie's caregivers and the broader community. “We were thrilled to help local teachers start the new year off on the right foot.” "The supplies will go a long way toward filling teachers' classrooms with items they often purchase out of their own pockets" commented Sheila Ossit from ...
New Music Room Dedicated to Former Principal Angela Wanish New Music Room Dedicated to Former Principal Angela Wanish: In a heartfelt ceremony held on September 3, the newly constructed music room at Smith Intermediate School was officially named the Angela Wanish Music Room, honoring the significant contributions of former Principal Angela Wanish to the district and the school community. Mrs. Wanish, who dedicated many years to serving as the long-time principal of Smith, is a passionate advocate for the arts, particularly music. A trained musician and former music teacher from the esteemed Crane School of Music, her influence has left an indelible mark on countless students and educators alike. The naming of the music room is a fitting tribute to Mrs. Wanish’s commitment to fostering a love for music among students, as she continually encouraged artistic expression and creativity during her tenure. ...
Capital Project Update Capital Project Update: In a recent update, Jordan Lilley, Director of Buildings and Grounds for the Cortland School District, provided an exciting overview of the ongoing capital project initiatives aimed at enhancing school facilities across the district. One of the most notable improvements has been the complete replacement of the turf on the high school football field, which had succumbed to wear and tear over the years. The newly installed field promises not only better gameplay but also improved drainage, enhanced padding for player safety, and vibrant graphics that will boost school spirit during games. In addition to the football field upgrades, significant renovations are taking place in the basement of the high school. Old locker rooms are being transformed into modern facilities, which will include ...
Spreading Positivity Through Art Spreading Positivity Through Art: Spreading Positivity Through Art: A Memorable Bracelet-Making Event with Aspen Pool Last Thursday, our junior high building was filled with creativity, inspiration, and a sense of community, thanks to a special visit from Cortland Alumni Aspen Pool. Made possible through the generous support of the CPEF grant, this unique event gave our 7th grade class the opportunity to engage in a hands-on bracelet-making workshop that left a lasting impact on everyone involved. Aspen Pool, an accomplished jewelry maker who is vision impaired, has a remarkable talent for creating beautiful bracelets. She dedicates much of her time to making these pieces to donate to hospitals and schools, spreading positivity and joy through her art. Her visit to our school was not only a demonstration of her ...
Live Stream of Graduation - 2024 Live Stream of Graduation - 2024: Congratulations Class of 2024!  For all community members who would like to observe our ceremony via a live stream link, please use this link: https://ocmboces. hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/ Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=86a47d0f- 956f-4d3d-b232-b196000f5347
Thank You Shirt Max Thank You Shirt Max: A HUGE thank you to ShirtMax who donated 8 dozen t-shirts free of charge to Cortland Jr. High! ShirtMax is located at; 5588 New Peachtree R., Atlanta, GA. 30341 and has a HUGE assortment of products on its website! www.shirtmax.com
Cortland Announces new opportunity for students - Early College High School Cortland Announces new opportunity for students - Early College High School: Dryden, New York – The Cortland Enlarged City School District and Tompkins Cortland Community College (TC3) have secured a $1.175 million grant from the New York State Education Department to develop an Early College High School (ECHS). Cortland is the first district in Cortland County to receive a grant through the State’s Smart Scholars Early College High School Program. The aim of the program is to provide students who are traditionally underrepresented in postsecondary education with the opportunity and support to accelerate the completion of their high school studies while earning college credits at the same time.  The new program is an expansion of an existing strong relationship between Cortland and TC3 that has allowed hundreds of students to earn ...
BOE Member Travels to Albany in Support of Several Bills BOE Member Travels to Albany in Support of Several Bills: In March, BOE member Brett Barnes traveled with a group of stakeholders to Albany in support of S.8531 (Holyman-Sigal/A.9110(Rosenthal). The bills would eliminate a bunch of loopholes in our current flavored vape law that would allow for enforcement of the already passed ban. After gathering and entering the Capitol Building the group started with a press conference explaining the bills. The authors from each house spoke, along with a member of NYSSBA, Sidney Joyner, Trustee at South Huntington U.F. School District Board of Education. Our Assembly representative, Dr Anna Kelles, took the time to attend, and speak to the merits of the bill, and nicotine’s adverse effects on the teen brain. After our press conference the group broke into 4 groups to speak with representatives ...



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