As the 2017-18 school year is wrapping up, the district held a special reception for all those who were awarded tenure, as well as this year’s retirees and 25-year employees, at the Board of Education Meeting on June 7.

Administrators, faculty members, and loved ones filled the middle school auditorium for the commendations of these special members of the Elwood community.

“Each and every person being celebrated tonight has been such an integral part of making the Elwood community what it is,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kenneth Bossert, as he opened the meeting.

Teachers receiving tenure were recognized first, each by the principal of their corresponding school. These teachers included Lori Fornaro, Adrienne Nasser, and Carolyn Pollina.

Retiring staff and faculty members were commended for dedicating their lives to educating students, and for never losing sight of each child individually. Those recognized were Lauren Buchholz, Laura Fisher, Jane Geng, Sharon Gosman, Laura Irace, Kristine Kalinowski, Timothy Kenyon, Sandra Krueger, Sean McGinty, Patricia Pascarella, Martha Simpson, Nancy Schwier, and Donna Verton.

Trophies for those employees with 25 years of service were presented to educators Wendy Blair-Braxton, Stephen Gengenbach, Therese Lopipero, Michelle Ottley, and Christina Tellekamp. Both the administration and the Board of Education commended each person for their dedication and hard work throughout the years.

In addition, Emma Koster was recognized for excellence in her role as the 2017-18 Student Liaison to the Board of Education. Both Dr. Bossert and Board of Education President Julia Fried praised her for the thoroughness of her monthly reports, and expressed confidence in the greatness she will accomplish in college and beyond.

On June 7, rising high school juniors and seniors visited EMS to meet their “Freshman Buddies.” At the end of each middle schooler’s career, they’re assigned a volunteer upper-classmen “buddy” from the high school who serves as their role model, guide, and friend to help the transition to high school be as smooth as possible. Throughout the year, buddies check in with their freshmen and address different themes at meetings, such as time management and getting involved.

High school principal Carisa Burzynski introduced herself to the eighth graders and assured them that transition to John Glenn would be made easier with their buddies as a resource.

“Each leader is of the best students John Glenn has to offer,” said Mrs. Burzynski. “They were selected because of their character and leadership skills, and they will do their very best to help you navigate through this this new season!”

Once each eighth-grader found their assigned group and buddies, students formed circles outside. Groups played ice-breaking games, inquired about different aspects of high school, exchanged contact information, and more.

Many of the middle schoolers asked the upperclassmen if they had been nervous going into high school, but the buddies encouraged them positively.

“It’s not as hard as you’d think,” said Shannon, an upperclassmen volunteer. “You’ll get used to the change really quickly.”

Historic figures of the past and present came to life at James H. Boyd’s Living History Wax Museum on May 31. After completing an in-depth research project on the figure of their choice, third-grade students from Mrs. Held and Ms. Noon’s classes dressed in character, ready to display their newfound knowledge. Categories of people included artists, entertainers, royalty, and more.

Family, staff, and administrators milled around the statuesque students, activating them by inserting change into a box and pressing a button. All monies donated will be going to charities supported by the different people represented at wax museum.

In addition to the in-person presentation, the event’s pamphlet included QR codes for more information on each person. Upon scanning that code, the viewer was brought to a video the student had created on their chosen figure.

“I learned a lot of little interesting details,” said Kaylee, a student in Mrs. Held’s Class, who was dressed up as Leonardo Di Vinci. “It took Di Vinci twelve years just to finish the eyes of the Mona Lisa!”

Outstanding Elwood-John H. Glenn High School seniors were honored at the high school’s fifty-sixth annual awards presentation, witnessed by family members, faculty, administrators, and Board members, on May 23. The evening consisted of administrators and faculty recognizing students in the Class of 2018 for success throughout high school in the areas of academics, service and leadership.

Principal Carisa Burzynski opened the ceremony with a warm welcome to all those in attendance, and congratulated the students on their achievements.

“Tonight is a proud moment for some of John Glenn’s most remarkable students,” said Mrs. Burzynski. “You’re here because you’ve gone above and beyond during your years in high school, and probably since kindergarten—and you should be proud of all the hard work and dedication you’ve put towards your future success.”

Students were recognized for state-level achievements—President’s Award for Excellence, National Merit Scholarship Commendation, and NYS Scholarships for Excellence—as well as awarded with gold and silver medals from the PTSA by subject area, and a multitude of other honors and awards.

At the end of May, eleven Elwood-John H. Glenn seniors committed to play the sport of their choice at the collegiate level in the fall. A special recognition ceremony was held in honor of the students’ hard work and dedication throughout their athletic careers. Coaches, family members and administrators were present to support and commend these outstanding student-athletes.

“Through hours of hard work and dedication, in both in the classroom and in athletics, you’ve secured a bright future for yourselves,” said Athletic Director David Shanahan, “and the Elwood School District is proud of each and every one of you.”

The recognized students are as follows:
Nick Blanton, SUNY Cortland, wrestling; Victoria Cacioppo, SUNY Geneseo, lacrosse; Alice Chiodo, University of South Carolina, track; Steven DeVerteuil, University of Mary Washington, soccer; Ryan Hallahan, SUNY Oneonta, wrestling; Jon Green, Marist College, track; Emily Goetz, Molloy College, soccer; Kyle Linsalata, St. Joseph’s College, lacrosse; Connor Rossi, Sacred Heart University, wrestling; Jalynn Sharp, University of Delaware, track; Christian Varlack, Ithaca College, football.

Students at Harley Avenue Primary School have been exploring different enrichment programs through the school’s launch of the 2nd GEAR program. At the beginning of April, students selected four of their top-choices from a long list of activities to participate in every Tuesday afternoon through the end of May, and were assigned to one for the duration of the program. Enrichment activities included “So You Think You Can Dance,” American Sign Language, Movie Magic, Fitness Fanatics, and many more.

“The main idea of this program is to focus on providing a time where students can express themselves and their interests,” said Harley Principal Elissa Milan. “We’re constantly exploring new ways to continue educating the whole child.”

The end of the six-week program will culminate with a 2nd GEAR Fair, where students will be able to demonstrate what they’ve learned. Students are enjoying learning more in depth about areas that interest them.

“I like 2nd GEAR,” said second grader Angelina. “We have fun and learn a lot of cool things, like how muscles can grow when you exercise them, and they make you stronger!”

Elizabeth Held, a third-grade teacher at James H. Boyd Intermediate School, was awarded a New York State Excellence in Teaching Award at a surprise assembly on May 10. Mrs. Held was one of 60 teachers granted this award throughout New York State.

Third-grade classes were called to the auditorium under the guise of an educational assembly. Visitor Dr. Guillermo Linares, the Acting President of New York State Higher Education Services Corporation, attended on behalf of Governor Cuomo to present the award to Mrs. Held. When her name was announced, the entire third-grade class, and teachers and administration in attendance, went wild. In addition to an engraved plaque, Mrs. Held also received a $5,000 check.

To be chosen for this award, teachers must exemplify passion for education, mission, expertise, and possess outstanding teaching skills—making learning exciting, and leveling the playing field for all students to succeed.

“First-rate education begins and ends with first-rate teaching,” said Dr. Linares. “The goal of this award is to put a spotlight on the very best teachers to make them examples for their colleagues to follow.”

“I wouldn’t be here without all of you, because you’re the reason I do what I do,” Mrs. Held told her students from the podium. “Your love of learning pushes me to want to learn more and do more… and I hope that one day when you pick a career, you pick something that you love as much as I love teaching you all.”

Third grade students at James H. Boyd united their love of fairy tales with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) during the last week of April.

The Fairy Tale Ball, organized by Boyd teacher Liz Held, had three different “enchanted” challenges for students to complete using teamwork and problem-solving skills. The third-grade class at Boyd recently wrapped up a unit on fairy tales, so each challenge revolved around a story they had studied.

At the first station, students built a house for the Three Little Pigs out of toothpicks. The house had to be at least six centimeters high, hold a 20-gram weight, and withstand the blowing of the big bad wolf, which was a small desk fan with ears.

A group of students’ house just barely withstood the blowing of the fan, and one third-grade girl encouraged her team-mates, saying “Let’s try again—we can do better than that!”

At the second station, students had to build a raft for the three Billy Goats Gruff out of straws and pipe cleaners that could hold the miniature goats and 10 grams for at least 10 seconds.

The third station challenged students to create a pulley system that could carry a 25 gram Rapunzel safely down from her Pringle can-tower, using no more than 3 meters of string.

Students worked together to successfully complete each task. Having to start over didn’t discourage them, and Mrs. Held noted that this event continued to enforce the skills and resilience they’re being taught in the classroom.

“They’re getting more and more used to by going back and trying things again, even if they fail,” Mrs. Held said. “If they can’t accomplish it during school hours they often take things home and keep trying until they succeed, which is an incredible thing.”

In addition to the STEM stations, students wore crowns they had made, and took photos in front of a green-screen castle with their classmates. A magical time was had by all!