Michaela
Emily
Class f 2015

Byron-Bergen Central School District

									

			

June 2015                                                                 w w w.bbschools.org Byron-Bergen’s Class of 2015 Top 10, Valedictorian and Salutatorian announced

Congratulations to this year’s Class of 2015 Top 10 students:

Michaela Kenward, Emily Bowman, Colleen Clay, Melinda Wells, Nicholas Kelly, Gerald Menzie, Jr., Sara Kota, Samantha Walker, Danielle Foeller, and Rebekah Ireland.We give special acknowledgment to Valedictorian Michaela Kenward, daughter of Marc and Pam Kenward, and Salutatorian Emily Bowman, daughter of Timothy and Heather Bowman.

Michaela Kenward is a member of National Honor Society, Scholastic Bowl, Math League, and Student Council where she serves as President. She participates in tennis and swimming, and received honorable mention by the Genesee Region Swim League. Michaela has been
a percussionist in band for the past five years and received the Vince Zarcone Music Scholarship. Michaela
Kenward
Valedictorian
is a member of the Byron Presbyterian Youth Group, and during her sophomore year she went on a
10-day mission trip to Peru. Her community is very important to Michaela. She has received the Genesee County Youth Bureau Award twice for her volunteerism which has included assisting with the Byron-Bergen backpack program, and coordinating a community food pantry several times a year. Michaela is part of the elite “Hundred Club” for achieving a perfect 100 on the 2013 Global Regents exam, and has also received an Academic Varsity letter and pin. She is the recipient of the Superintendent’s Award, Scholar Program Award, Social Studies Department Award, NYS Comptroller Achievement Award, and the President’s Award for Educational Excellence. Michaela plans to attend the University of New England (Maine) to major in Marine Biology.

Emily Bowman participates in Interscholastic Competition in English (ICE), is a member of National Honor Society and has received an Academic Varsity letter and pin. Emily is very active in our school musicals where she has participated in “The Secret Garden,” “Pippin!,” “Oklahoma,” and “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.” Most
recently Emily had one of the Bowman	leading roles as the wicked witch
Salutatorian	in “The Wizard of Oz.” Emily was also selected to participate in the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra’s Holiday Festival Choir and received the Byron-Bergen Musical Theater Award, the Choral Award, and the Byron-Bergen Music Booster Scholarship. Emily is the recipient of the NYS Scholarship for Academic Excellence, the President’s Award for Educational Excellence, and was named “Commended Student” in
the 2015 National Merit Scholarship Program.As part of her community involvement, Emily helps with a clothing giveaway, at a nursery, and at a mobile food pantry. She also finds time to work on weekends at the local library. Emily will be attending Houghton College majoring in Music Education.	(continued on page 2)

Congratulations oByron-Bergen
Commencement • June 27, 2015 - 1 p.m. Roberts Wesleyan College Cultural Life Center

Class of 2015...................................1-3 Superintendent’s Message...............4-5 Jr./Sr. High School Update.................7 Elementary School News.................15
Strategic Plan..............................20-23

(continued from cover)

Class of 2015 Top 10 students

Colleen Clay U.S. Air Force

Melinda Wells Alfred State/Cornell University
(2+2)Veterinary Technology/ Veterinary Medicine

Nicholas Kelly Monroe Community College/
Rochester Institute of Technology (2+2) Engineering/Programming

Gerald Menzie, Jr. Monroe Community College Liberal Arts

Sara Kota Genesee Community College
Nursing

Samantha Walker Lebanon Valley College (Pennsylvania)
Actuarial Science

Danielle Foeller Nazareth College Occupational Therapy

Rebekah Ireland Genesee Community College Business

2     Byron-Bergen Central School District

June 2015 Class of 2015 Graduates

Shelby Abel Career—Law Enforcement

Michaela Austin The College at Brockport Business Administration

Ashley Bates Genesee Community College
Nursing

Alex Beam Monroe Community College
Engineering

Jaimee Bechard Genesee Community College
Mathematics

Donald Beechner, III Genesee Community College American Sign Language

Tyler Benda Career—Culinary Field

Chase Bergeron Bishop’s University (Canada) Psychology

Chad Bobzin Genesee Community College
Computer Information Systems

Jeremy Boeff U.S. Air Force

Alysia Boughton Genesee Community College Criminal Justice

Zachary Bower Career—Mechanic

Erika Caruso Monroe Community College
Criminal Justice

Erin Casey Monroe Community College
Nursing

Garrett Chapell Norwich University (Vermont)
Criminal Justice/Corps of Cadets

Sydney Clark Career—Realtor

Sarah Clay Monroe Community College/
Roberts Wesleyan (2+2) Library Science Studies

Jordan Coffta Genesee Community College
Agricultural Business

Seth Cunningham Career—Horticulture

Alana Diefendorf Genesee Community College Social Work

Sean Donovan Baldwin Wallace University (Ohio) Music Composition and Education

Heather Dries Genesee Community College
Business Administration

Emily DuBois Genesee Community College
Criminal Justice

Chance Edmonds Finger Lakes Community College
Business

Makayla Fee Roberts Wesleyan College
Psychology

James Ferris, III Career—Carpentry

Jeremy Fink Genesee Community College
Computer Information Systems

Lauren Forsyth Monroe Community College
Nursing

Bryan Hallenbeck Alfred State Engineering

Matthew Hilbert Genesee Community College/SUNY
ESF (2+2) Sustainable Energy Management

Luke Hollenbeck University of Pittsburgh at Bradford
Criminal Justice

Micheal Huntsman, Jr. Career—Construction

Maria Inzinca U.S Marine Corps

Meghan Johnson Niagara University Political Science/History

Abigail Kelley The College at Brockport
Nursing

Justin Kendrot Career—Construction

Danny Khomitch Monroe Community College Electrical Engineering

Spencer Kulikowski Alfred University Mechanical Engineering

Adrian Lambert Genesee Community College
General Studies

Ryan Leo U.S. Air Force

Li-Ting Lin Foreign Exchange Student
Returning to Taiwan

Jacob Lovelace University of Technology (Florida)
Auto/Diesel Technology

Lindsey Lovett
Finger Lakes Community College Occupational Therapy

Michelle Lovett Finger Lakes Community College
Humanities

Nicholas Magin Genesee Community College
Criminal Justice

Nathaniel McCarthy Genesee Community College General Studies

Cory McKee U.S. Marine Corps

Joseph Miraglia Alfred State
Building Trades & Civil Engineering

Samantha Morgante Keuka College Education

Catherine Nagel University of Berlin (Germany) Medicine - Neuro Surgery

Abigail Noeth Genesee Community College
General Studies

Danna Perez Lopez Genesee Community College Radiology Technology

Nicola Pellacani Foreign Exchange Student Returning to Italy

Rebecca Phelps The College at Brockport
Recreational Therapy

Taylor Plank Career—Food Service

Colby Pocock Alfred State
Heavy Equipment Truck & Diesel Technician

Jacob Rada University at Buffalo Computer Engineering

Zachary Redinger Career—Carpentry

Bethann Rethlake Monroe Community College General Studies

Allison Richardson U.S. Marine Corps

Scott Schramm, Jr. U.S. Marine Corps

Jacob Scroger
Genesee Community College/Utah State University Criminal Justice

Andrew Sczepanski The College at Brockport Business

Zackary Seeley Career—Security Guard

Michael Shanley, Jr. Monroe Community College
Computer Aided Design & Drafting

Katelyn Simmons St. John Fisher College Nursing

Ashley Sine
Tulsa Community College Meteorology

Brette-Morgan Snyder Genesee Community College Human Services

Leah Stamp Genesee Community College
Developmental Psychology

Christine Stevens Genesee Community College Nursing

Adam Strassner College in Virginia (TBD) Sports Management

Samantha Stumpf Genesee Community College Liberal Arts

Olivia Sweet Genesee Community College
Graphic Arts

Hunter Taylor Career—Construction

Luke Thompson Monroe Community College
Business

Steele Truax Career—Production/Sales

Charles Utter Universal Technical Institute (Florida)
Auto Diesel

Cory Utter Buffalo State College Dietetics

Caitlin Vereecken Finger Lakes Community College
General Studies

Sadie Vincent Roberts Wesleyan College
Nursing

Joseph Volasquez Ohio Technical College
Automotive High Performance

Skylar Wade Monroe Community College
HVAC

Mercedes Wagoner U.S. Marine Corps

Rachel Wannike The College at Brockport
Liberal Arts

Nicholas Warriner U.S. Air Force

Melissa Watson Genesee Community College
Nursing

Alan White Career—Construction

Andrew Williams Career—Agri-Business

Madelyn Wittman Genesee Community College Graphic Design

Home of the Bees	3

Superintendent’s Message Dear Byron-Bergen Community Members,

Congratulations to the Byron-Bergen Class of 2015.This is a very exciting time for everyone in our learning community. Your hard work and commitment has paid off. I wish you the best of luck with your future endeavors. I know you
will make your alma mater proud with your post-graduate accomplishments. I would also like to thank your families for their partnership with us in your education. I would add a special acknowledgement to the Board of Education and the administration, faculty, and staff who have supported you
along the way. During this time of celebration, I ask our new graduates and the entire student body to make healthy and safe decisions.

Message to our graduates

One of my favorite stories that was shared with me and that I have made a tradition of sharing with our graduates each year is entitled “The Shark and the Goldfish,” written by Jon Gordon.

In this story, a goldfish lived a wonderful and simple life. He ate, slept, swam, and did twirls in the water anytime his humans approached him. He never wanted for anything, especially food. Food was abundant, and he was prosperous. Life was good.

Then one day, he was swept up in a net, put into a bag of water, and carried to the beach by the little boy who owned him.The boy wanted to play with his goldfish at the beach so he dug a big hole in the sand, filled it with water, and placed the goldfish in his own private man-made lake.

That was, until a big wave came crashing over the shore. The little boy looked for his goldfish, but it was too late.The goldfish had been carried out to sea. He was no longer safe and secure. He was tired, alone, hungry, and he wondered who was going to feed him.That is when he met the shark, who could only shake his head at the poor fellow.The shark
knew someone had to teach this fish how to fish. So the shark said,“Well look here, my little friend.You know what your problem is?”

“Yes, I do,” answered the goldfish.“I’m starving and no one will feed me.” The shark countered,“No, that’s not your problem; your problem is you are a goldfish.You are waiting to be fed.You are in the ocean now, times are changing. Things are a little tougher here.You have to work harder, you have to be smarter.You need to become a shark. Goldfish wait to be fed. Sharks go out and find food.”

Class of 2015, as you move into the next phase of your lives, be sharks!

Budget and School Board election results

It is with the utmost gratitude that I am announcing that next year’s budget was passed by a vote of 259 to 239. Our proposal to purchase two buses was supported 309 to 155. The two 3-year terms on the Board of Education went to incumbents Debi List and Bill Forsyth. I congratulate these individuals and look forward to working with them as we continue to challenge, engage, and nurture our students.

Strategic Plan

Strategic planning is intended to accomplish three important goals.The first is to clarify the outcomes that the District wishes to achieve; the second is to select the broad strategies that will enable the organization to achieve those outcomes; and the third is to identify ways to measure progress on these strategies.Included in this edition of the Focal Point is
Byron-Bergen’s new Strategic Plan, named Creating Leaders One Student at a Time.This five-year plan was adopted at the June 1 Board of Education meeting and was the culmination of many stakeholders’ work spanning the past year.This work included gathering feedback from all facets of the school
and the greater community through interviews, surveys, and focus groups.The District Strategic Framework Team helped prioritize the plan’s goals and provided insight on how the

BBCSD was well-represented at the recent Genesee Valley Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development Awards event, where Superintendent Kosiorek was honored for leadership on District initiatives. (l-r) Dr.Aaron Johnson, Jr./Sr. High School Principal;Amy Phillips, Board of Education Trustee; Casey Kosiorek, Superintendent of Schools;Yvonne Ace-Wagoner, Board of Education Trustee; Patrick McGee, Jr./Sr. High School Assistant
Principal; Debi List, Board of Education President; and Drew Doll, Transportation Coordinator.	(continued on page 5)

4     Byron-Bergen Central School District

June 2015 (continued from page 4)
Superintendent’s Message

District should move forward in the future. Please take some time to review the plan on pages 20-23.Thank you
to everyone who was involved in this important work.

Retirement

As we bring the academic year to a close, I would like to congratulate
Ms. Suesan Walton and Mrs. Sally Mech on their retirement from the District. They will be sorely missed.These two individuals have been outstanding employees and have gone above and beyond for our students. Both took great pride in their work and made Byron-Bergen a better place.Thank you for everything.

In closing, I would like to say how proud I am of the great work being accomplished by our students, teachers, and families. Byron-Bergen Central School District is a special place with an outstanding reputation for academic, athletic, and artistic excellence. On behalf of the Board of Education, the administration, and the staff, I want
to thank you for your continued support in the education of our students. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call me at 494-1220 ext. 2829, or email me at ckosiorek@bbschools.org. I wish you a relaxing summer.

Home of the Bees	5

Byron-Bergen Honors Retirees

Sally Mech

Sally Mech has always loved school, and now, after 28 years with the District, with the last 22 as High School secretary, is finally ready to “graduate.” She
says those years hold many special moments, like the day she was called to bring some papers to the principal.“When I walked
in the room to drop them off, the Beatles song “Help” started
to play and the entire faculty presented me with a complete Beatles Collection, as a way to thank me for all the “Help” that I gave them through the years. It was really a great moment and one that I will never forget.“

Working in the High School Office has sometimes been challenging. She smiles,“I often picture myself sitting at

Suesan Walton

After just a few years teaching at Penfield Central School District and the Rochester Mental Health Center, Suesan Walton found her place at Byron-Bergen Elementary School. Since 1986, Walton has helped our children learn, as a Special Education teacher/consultant teacher, and as a 12-1-1 classroom teacher.
She has been our Sunshine Club coordinator for 15 years, and participated on the Elementary School Collaborative Improvement Team for 17 years.

a desk working in the center of a merry-go-round, with everything going round and round and up and down!” She loves Byron-Bergen’s smaller, rural school character.“You aren’t just another face in the crowd.And you can actually drive your tractor to school.”

Mech says she will miss the many people she’s had the pleasure to get to know here, and is proud of what she has accomplished.“Folks are asking,‘So are you counting the days?’ I reply ‘No, I’m just counting my blessings.’ My life at home and at school has been blessed and I am very, very thankful.”

Life after B-B will be full of time spent with family and friends, and a new “little sewing venture” she’s begun with
a friend. She is proud of her children (sons, Chris and Peter; and daughter,Angela) who are “the highlights” of her life. She says the words she lives by, at work and in life, are:“Never put off ‘til tomorrow what you can do today.”

“I want to thank all the faculty and staff members who have been so supportive and caring during my teaching career here at Byron-Bergen,” she says.“I have been very fortunate to work with many excellent teachers, administrators, teacher aides, and parents. My students’ energy, enthusiasm, and motivation to learn, as well as the comradery of my fellow colleagues will truly be missed.”

Walton is looking forward to an active retirement. Her plans include spending more time with family and friends, hiking, biking, and traveling.

Walk Down Memory Lane

Have you lost youryearbook, orwant to see what was happening at Byron-Bergen in otheryears?

We have a limited number of High School yearbooks available from these years: 1986, 1987, 1990, 1992, 1995, 1998, 1999, 2000,
2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011.

If you would like a copy,please stop by the District Office between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. (M-F) before July 24, 2015.

6     Byron-Bergen Central School District

”
June 2015

New WNY Video Recording Coaching Institute to launch from Byron-Bergen CSD this fall

Teachers throughout the region will have a new professional development resource, thanks to a collaboration between the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership (GVEP) and the
Byron-Bergen Central School District.The Western New York Video Recording Coaching Institute will incorporate a proven video coaching model with a groundbreaking virtual classroom simulator, TeachLivETM, which allows educators to develop and improve their teaching practice in a safe environment.

The new institute will be headed by Executive Director Jim Thompson, who has led the development of BBCSD’s own successful Instructional Coaching initiative since 2013. He and Byron-Bergen’s Superintendent of Schools Casey Kosiorek recently presented at the National TeachLivE
Conference at the University of Central Florida to educators from across the country, there to learn about this innovative approach to professional development.

Kosiorek credits the GVEP’s District Superintendent Kevin MacDonald for

“No matter where

a teacher is, they can

be better.We’d like to see every teacher at Byron-Bergen get
involved in Instructional Coaching within the next three years.

- Casey Kosiorek

supporting the Institute’s vision.“Mr. MacDonald has shown unwavering support for this initiative, and his support has made this a reality,” he said. “This is a great approach to support teachers in becoming the best they can be.We are very excited to be hosting it here, and helping to make these services available to teachers in our entire area. Ultimately, this is a huge benefit, not just for the teachers, but also for all of their students.”

TeachLivE is a computer-simulated, mixed-reality classroom.Teachers step into this virtual classroom and within a minute experience immersion and suspension of disbelief, allowing them to rehearse high-leverage teaching
practices related to student achievement. Much like a flight simulator for pilots, TeachLivE simulates a classroom experience for teachers to hone their skills.The tool will be combined with individual coaching, role-playing, model lessons, and videotaping of lessons.The Institute’s program is designed to guide teachers, using a style that is highly interactive, supportive, and reflective.

“Everyone can get better; this is not just for new teachers, or superstars,” said
Kosiorek.“No matter where a teacher is, they can be better.We’d like to see every teacher at Byron-Bergen get involved in Instructional Coaching within the next three years.”

For more information on the Institute, contact Byron-Bergen Superintendent of Schools Casey Kosiorek at
(585) 494-1220 ext. 2829, or by email:ckosiorek@bbschools.org.

The new WNY Video Recording Coaching Institute will offer teachers a rich professional development experience, complete with individualized video coaching, and a safe environment for teaching improvement in TeachLivE’s simulated classroom environment.

Byron-Bergen Superintendent of Schools Casey Kosiorek (left) and WNY Video Recording Coaching Institute Executive Director Jim Thompson (right) at their recent presentation at the TeachLivE conference at the University of Central Florida.

Home of the Bees	7

Jr./Sr. High School Update By: Dr.Aaron R. Johnson, Principal

The students of the Jr./Sr. High School made 2014-15 a year to remember!

As parents, teachers, and community members, we recognize how special our student body is based on our daily interactions and the many ways our youth make Byron-Bergen a special place to live.As the building principal, I have the advantage of a broader-based
perspective on this topic, which gives me the pleasure of taking note of the finer-grained accomplishments of our students. Although I cannot possibly capture all
of the outstanding actions of our pupils, please allow me to highlight a few recent and special student attainments that you may have missed…

Two Eagle Scouts awarded— This spring two of our students were recognized for earning the highest achievement rank in the Boy Scouts organization. On average, only
seven percent of all Scouts reach this pinnacle annually and we have two! Congratulations to Matthew
Hilbert and Luke Hollenbeck on their accomplishment and thank you both for making service learning a priority.These young men provide our students with excellent role models and exemplify what it means to take an active role in making a difference in the local community.

Thirteen B-B students recognized by the American Chemical Society— The American Chemical Society takes great pride in fostering education, involvement, and excitement around science, chemistry, and careers within their discipline. Each year, students from the six counties of the greater Rochester region are selected for recognition by
the local chapter for their achievements in chemistry.These awards are based
on high academic averages and teacher recommendations.

Congratulations to the following students who embody these characteristics: Donald Beechner, Lindsey Bowman, Brandon

Burke, Reanne Dressler, Kaitlyn Harder, Cora Ivison, Celia Mercovich, Esther Musiyevich, Catherine Nagel, Danna Perez Lopez, Brittany Rada,Adam Walter, and Michael Zwerka.With Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) becoming one of the fastest-growing career pathways, students like this are creating the foundational footing for
a successful future in a competitive new 21st-century job market.

Student earns first ever two-time recognition—Every year the Genesee County Youth Bureau recognizes community service in the local area at their Youth Recognition Banquet.At no time during the history of this award has a student ever been nominated and
recognized twice. Over the past few years, Class of 2015 Valedictorian Michaela Kenward has worked with her mother and several other school and community volunteers to create a self-sustaining backpack program and community food pantry in our school District. Based on her selfless and tireless efforts to assist others in need, Michaela earned her second Youth Recognition Award as a Byron-Bergen student. Congratulations Michaela and best of luck in your future endeavors.I know you will go on to accomplish great things!

This year was the final stage of implementation for Project Lead the Way (PLTW) courses in our Technology Department. Students taking PLTW
courses have the ability to earn Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) credits while in high school as they successfully complete each course and score highly on the PLTW exam. Engineering Design and Development (EDD) is the program’s capstone course that enables students
to acquire industry-like experience by showcasing their engineering knowledge and skills to identify an issue and then
to research, design, and test a solution. On June 3, seniors Nick Kelly and Michael Shanley were the first from B-B

Project Lead the Way (PLTW) students test drive the project for their capstone course, Engineering Design and Development. Pictured (front, left): Matt Hilbert and Nate McCarthy. In back: Mike Shanley, Dr.Aaron Johnson, Nick Kelly,and Technology Teacher Rich Walker.

to present their project of a “compact adaptable lift” to a panel of local practitioners and engineers.The team was graded in four domains: problem selection and research, project construction, testing/ real data/conclusion, and presentation effectiveness. Congratulations to Nick and Mike on a successful presentation. Both students exemplify the District’s vision to “provide all students with a rigorous, well rounded educational experience.” Nice work, gentlemen!

As a point of pride, our building focused this year on two important factors that indicate a school’s organizational health: student attendance and discipline. It is my pleasure to share with you the fruits of our school communities’ efforts in both of these arenas. For the fifth year in a row, student discipline problems continued to significantly drop as defined by New York State’s Violent and Disruptive Incident Report. During the 2010-11 school year our students committed 182 violent and/ or disruptive disciplinary infractions; this year (2014-15) that number continued
to decline at a constant rate resulting in a total of only 50 infractions. In 2010 we set an aspirational attendance goal of
95% or better as a building. Including the

(continued on page 9)

8     Byron-Bergen Central School District

(continued from page 8)

Jr./Sr. High School Update

June 2015

Students explore Spain and bring back memories for a lifetime

current school year, our students have collectively met this standard for the past four years. Despite a long and brutally cold winter, the Jr./Sr. High School ends 2014-15 with a 95.5% attendance rate.The data is clear: students who attend school more frequently and behave better will achieve more highly in school. Congratulations to our student body on their success as we see the results in our improved grades and graduation rates.Thank you to every parent, guardian, sibling, and friend who has had a hand in this change.

Lastly, thank you for the recent approval of the student-friendly 2015-16
school budget.This well-constructed plan by our Board of Education maps out improvements to the safety and instructional program of our school. The new School Resource Officer will be a valuable asset for teaching, mentoring of students, and providing an inroad for connections and advice in the criminal justice career pathway. I
am equally excited by the potential that a new College and Career Center will bring.This physical space and additional guidance counselor will help students to unlock their true college and career potential beginning in seventh grade. The trusting relationships developed here will provide students and families with a guide to assist in building a
long-range plan wrapped around students’ individual skills and interests. Our vision is for every student to establish one or two inspirational college/career goals by their sophomore year. Students who have a clear vision for the future are more highly motivated and will work harder to make it a reality, especially if they are personally invested in the process.

Exploring a country, meeting its people, and experiencing its culture are the best ways to learn its language. Twelve members of the Byron-Bergen High School Spanish Club had the
extraordinary opportunity to do just that recently when the group visited five cities in Spain.The 11-day tour was two years in the planning, coordinated by High School Spanish teacher Jeanne Rivera. “This was a huge learning experience for these young people. From the fundraising events they planned to help finance the trip, to the fact that, for many of them, this was their first experience with air travel, passports, and being out of the country,” she said.“They practiced their Spanish and saw Spain, but they learned so much more about life.”

The group was led by Rivera and Jr. High Spanish teacher Susan Price, who were able to draw upon their past experience as travelers in Spain; parent Nancy Kota; and Jr./Sr. High School Principal Aaron Johnson.The trip included stops in Córdoba, Granada, Seville, Madrid, and Barcelona.The students walked 5-10

miles a day, exploring many of the sites with local guides.They saw traditional tourist destinations, like the Alhambra, the Seville Cathedral, Plaza de Toros, and El Prado Museum; and visited interesting places like the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc and the beach in Barcelona.

The students were still buzzing about the trip several weeks after they returned: “This was nothing like anything I could have imagined.”“My mom traveled to Spain when she was in high school, and wanted me to have the same experience.” “We really loved the lights and music at the fountain on our last night in Spain— it was such a surprise!”“I would love to go back. It was a great experience.”

The students in the Club have been studying Spanish language and culture since the seventh grade.“This was a great group; wonderful, enthusiastic traveling companions.They were all very focused on using their Spanish, meeting new people, learning about the culture, and getting the most out of the trip,” said Rivera.

Congratulations on an overall outstanding school year and best of luck to the graduating Class of 2015! Always remember…“No one outworks the Bees!”

Sightseeing in Barcelona on their last day in Spain are: (front, l-r) Jeanne Rivera, Susan Price,Ashley Bates, Grace Pulcini, Katelyn Simmons, Reanne Dressler, Sara Efing, and Celia Mercovich; (center, l-r) Nancy Kota, Sara Kota, Samantha Walker, and Claudio Rivera; and (back, l-r) Melinda Wells,Adam Strassner,Aaron Johnson, Cassandra Hartman, Rose Bower, and Tyler Kota.

Home of the Bees	9

Students visit the Big Apple

In late April, 36 members of the Byron-Bergen High School Band and Color Guard, along with faculty members Kevin Bleiler and Donna McJury, embarked on an overnight trip to New York City.The first stop on their trip was a performance of the “Blue Man” group, followed by a tour of the city and its popular landmarks.That was followed by dinner at Ellen’s Stardust Diner.While serving food, past and future Broadway singers performed popular songs from musicals like “Mama Mia!” and encouraged customers to join in the singing and celebration.After dinner, the students strolled through Times Square and were amazed by the lights and the busy night life—New York really is the city that doesn’t sleep.

The next day’s activities began at the site of the World Trade Center. It was a somber visit to the 9/11 Memorial and its reflection pools.All stood in respectful silence.The group proceeded to the WWII restored ship, the USS Intrepid. It was a beautiful day with the Statue of Liberty in the distance and many people stopped and listened to them play.The group performed “America the Beautiful,”“My Country ‘Tis of Thee,”“The Battle Hymn of the Republic,”“Americana,”
and service songs honoring the Army, Navy,Air Force, and Marines.

The students were then given a guided tour of the ship and were able to view the Enterprise Space Shuttle in the USS Intrepid Museum.

Members of the Byron-Bergen High School Band and Color Guard get together for a picture on the deck of the USS Intrepid after performing an impromptu recital of patriotic music on the ship—just one stop on their whirlwind tour of NYC.

The young people thought the trip was “awesome!” and wished they could have stayed longer.This was the first time in New York City for many of these students, and even those who had visited previously had not experienced all of what they had seen and done on this trip. From visiting Times Square to performing on the deck of the USS Intrepid, the trip was definitely a memorable experience for all.

Girls Stateand Boys State

The Bergen American Legion and Ladies Auxiliary recently announced the Byron-Bergen School representatives who will be attending Empire Girls State and Boys State this summer. Bethany Ezard, daughter of Ronald
and Lara Ezard, will be representing Byron-Bergen at Empire Girls State at The College of Brockport. Cora Ivison, daughter of John and Adella Ivison, was selected as alternate.The two young men who will represent Byron-Bergen at Empire Boys State, held at SUNY Morrisville, will be Rider Farnsworth, son of Ryan and Nina Farnsworth; and Jacob Prospero, son of John and Denise Prospero.Andrew DiQuattro, son of Patrick and Kristin DiQuattro, was selected as alternate.

Representatives to Boys and Girls State are selected from the current junior class by members of the Legion and Auxiliary

based on various criteria including academic achievement, leadership, character, and other personal qualities. During the last week of June and early July, hundreds of young women and men from across New York State will participate in a practical government course.The program is designed
to develop in the young citizens a working knowledge of the structure of government and to impress upon them the fact that their government is
just what they make it.They will create bills, and participate in campaigns, rallies, speeches, developing a platform, and participating in various legislative committees. Information on this educational program can be found at www.boysandgirlsstate.org.

The Byron-Bergen Central School District is very grateful to the American Legion and Ladies Auxiliary for

sponsoring and funding such a great opportunity for our students every year.

American Legion Boys and Girls State representatives from Byron-Bergen (front, l-r) Bethany Ezard (representative) and Cora Ivison (alternate); Boys State (back, l-r) Rider Farnsworth, Jacob Prospero (representatives), and Andrew DiQuattro (alternate).

10 Byron-Bergen Central School District

June 2015 Woodworking experts give hands-on lessons

Byron-Bergen students received hands-on lessons from a group of master craftsmen in the Sr. High School’s
Manufacturing Systems class. Finger Lakes Wood Turners Club members Jerry Sheridan, Rich Connelly, Dave Harp, Dave Leupold, Gary Russell, Harry Beaver, Mike Brawley, and Denis Caysinger were guests in the class from March through May 2015. Sheridan, a past Byron-Bergen Board of Education Trustee, is a talented woodworker and avid wood turner. He recruited several members of his Club to volunteer their time by coming to Byron-Bergen to share their expertise with students using wood lathes.

Sheridan first spoke to the students about safety and proper techniques for turning wood, and then proceeded to demonstrate his skills to the class. He and the other guests displayed several of their finished pieces, such as bowls, spinning tops, Christmas ornaments, and decorative spindles. Each member had a favorite type of turning project they focused on, and each showed how to hold the cutting tools in order to create different shapes and effects on the wood.They also demonstrated the procedure for sharpening cutting tools and discussed the safe use of these tools on the wood lathe.

This is Sheridan’s sixth year sharing his expertise in wood turning at Byron-Bergen, but the third year in which he recruited other members from the Club to work with students on the lathes.The turners brought their own mini-lathes and turning tools with them to add to the experience. Many turning tools have been donated by club members over the past few years to add to the quality of the experience for our students.

The Wood Turners members say they welcome the opportunity to share knowledge of their craft with others

and complimented our students for being so respectful and willing to learn. Students came away from this two-month project with lessons learned and unique pieces of their own. Some students presented their own “creations” at a Board of Education meeting on May 7. Sheridan also announced at that time that a grant was received from the National Wood Turners Association to help pay for the purchase of new turning equipment for our program at B-B.

Over the years, the Finger Lakes Wood Turners Club has made many wooden toys and has regularly donated to the Golisano Children’s Hospital. Members provide educational demonstrations at their Club and throughout the region for various organizations and schools.We are very grateful to them for the time and knowledge they have shared with us here at Byron-Bergen.

Jerry Sheridan shows Manufacturing Systems students Cameron Brumsted, Jonathan Lathan, and Dan Stutzman, the proper techniques of his craft.

Master Craftsman Dave Leupold (center) is shown with students holding their finished creations: Travis Pries, wooden goblet; and Garret Sando, bowl.

HOBY representative named

Hugh O’Brian Youth (HOBY) Leadership Seminars have been held yearly throughout the United States and Canada since 1958.The purpose of HOBY (www.hoby.org) is to provide sophomore students the opportunity to meet many distinguished leaders of the community from various sectors such as business, technology, education, government, arts, and science.Through intense but informal panel discussions, HOBY participants get a realistic look at their nation, its people, and their own role in the world community.

Every year, all sophomores are eligible and encouraged to apply for this exceptional leadership seminar.This year, Clare Fraser, daughter of Edward and Mary Fraser, was selected as the Byron-Bergen High School “HOBY Ambassador,” with Adam Walter, son of Philip and Terri Walter, selected as alternate. Clare and Adam, together with sophomores around the country, are selected based on a variety of criteria such as leadership ability, sensitivity to others, communication skills, and community service. The seminar was held in early June at the University of Rochester. Funding for Clare to attend this program was generously provided by the Byron-Bergen S.T.E.P. Boosters.

Byron-Bergen sophomore Clare Fraser, who has been selected to attend the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar, with alternate Adam Walter.

Home of the Bees 11

Academic & Athletic Recognition Night

Inspiration filled the Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School auditorium on June 2 as we celebrated our annual Recognition Night. Superintendent Kosiorek set the tone with his retelling of “The Shark and the Goldfish”—urging students to take
an active role in their lives, searching out opportunities and working hard to achieve success.Then our highest-performing scholars and athletes, our own young “sharks,” were honored for their accomplishments.

The ceremony combined academic and athletic awards, and featured Byron-Bergen Scholar Athletes, 2014-15 Tri-Athletes, and Athletes of the Year; along with the presentation of more than 50 prestigious awards, scholarships, honors, and certificates. New this year was the establishment of Academic Varsity
Letters and Pins, which were awarded to 20 young people. The ceremonies began and ended with music by the Singing Silhouettes, led by teacher Laurence Tallman.

Top Ten Seniors: (l-r) Michaela Kenward (Valedictorian), Emily Bowman (Salutatorian), Melinda Wells, Nicholas Kelly,
Gerald Menzie, Jr., Sara Kota, Samantha Walker, Danielle Foeller, and Rebekah Ireland. Not pictured: Colleen Clay.

Academic Varsity Letters & Pins Emily Bowman Colleen Clay Sarah Clay Sean Donovan Makayla Fee Danielle Foeller
Luke Hollenbeck Rebekah Ireland Nicholas Kelly Michaela Kenward Sara Kota
Spencer Kulikowski Michelle Lovett Gerald Menzie, Jr. Ashley Montgomery Catherine Nagel Jacob Rada Katelyn Simmons Samantha Walker Melinda Wells

Advanced Level PageTurners Joshua Bush Bethany Ezard Ashley Montgomery Melissa Watson Victoria Welka Savannah Wolfe

American Chemical Society Donald Beechner Lindsey Bowman Brandon Burke Reanne Dressler Kaitlyn Harder Cora Ivison Celia Mercovich
Esther Musiyevich

Catherine Nagel Danna Perez Lopez Brittany Rada Adam Walter Michael Zwerka

American History Award Colleen Clay

Art Department Award Sarah Clay

Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award Ana Hubbard

Bergen Historical Society Award Jacob Rada

Brian R. Ivison Memorial Industrial Arts Award Nicholas Kelly

Brian R. Ivison Memorial Wrestling Award Danny Khomitch

Byron-Bergen Comeback Award Samantha Walker

Byron-Bergen Sports Boosters Scholar
Athlete Award Abigail Kelley Michael Shanley

Byron-Bergen S.T.E.P. Booster Humanitarian Leadership Scholarship Katelyn Simmons

Clarkson University High School Achievement Award Alexa Strzelecki

Clarkson University High School Leadership Award Bethany Ezard

Dawn Gruendike Memorial Award Heather Dries

Duane Streeter Memorial Award Sadie Vincent

Elmira College Key Awards Ashley Montgomery Brandon Reiner

Emily Reis Memorial Scholarship
Danielle Foeller Samantha Walker

Faculty Department Award Kolbi Brew Stephanie Buell Dante Bzduch-Clark Siomara Caballero Michael Caruso Colleen Clay Sarah Clay Zachary Cocking Sean Donovan Clare Fraser Jared Fregoe Leah Gale
Emma Goodman Margaret Graney Cora Ivison Michaela Kenward Joseph Miraglia

Mason Muoio Abigail Noeth Robert Thompson Cory Utter Kyong-ae Yun Aurora Zinter

Gary Liles Memorial Award Samantha Morgante

George Eastman Young Leader Award Leah Catalino

Interscholastic Competition in English Olivia Audsley Emily Bowman Lindsey Bowman Celeste Brownell Sean Donovan Bethany Ezard Clare Fraser Brian Ireland Celia Mercovich Lily Mercovich Grace Pulcini

Irving Green Jr.Award Gerald Menzie, Jr.

Kazuo Inamori School of Engineering at Alfred
University and the Ceramic Association of NY Recognition Award Ashley Montgomery

Male and Female Athletes of the Year Lindsey Lovett Steele Truax

(continued on page 13)

12 Byron-Bergen Central School District

June 2015 (continued from page 12)

Academic & Athletic Recognition Night

Math League Bethany Ezard Michaela Kenward Kyle Lewis Nathaniel McCarthy Celia Mercovich Ashley Montgomery Jacob Rada Colby Savage Alexa Strzelecki Samantha Walker Andrew Wolfe Michael Zwerka

Matthew Kota Memorial Medical Scholarship Katelyn Simmons

Matthew Kota Memorial Scholarship Sean Donovan

Mock Trial Kaleb Bobzien Lauren Burke
Andrew DiQuattro Bethany Ezard Makayla Fee Matthew Hilbert Meghan Johnson
Nathan Knickerbocker Shaun LoVerdi Ashley Montgomery Jacob Petote Karson Richenberg

NTHS/HOSA Scholarship Katelyn Simmons

NYS Comptroller Achievement Award Michaela Kenward Gerald Menzie, Jr.

NYS Department Scholarship for Academic Excellence Emily Bowman Nicholas Kelly Melinda Wells

Paul Smith Memorial Wrestling Award Hunter Taylor

President’s Award for Educational Excellence Emily Bowman Colleen Clay Sarah Clay Sean Donovan Danielle Foeller
Luke Hollenbeck Nicholas Kelly Michaela Kenward Sara Kota
Spencer Kulikowski Michelle Lovett Gerald Menzie, Jr. Catherine Nagel Rebecca Phelps Jacob Rada

Samantha Walker Melinda Wells

Principal’s Award Katelyn Simmons

Rensselaer Medalist Award Kaitlyn Harder

RIT Computing Award Merissa Bohn Rider Farnsworth

RIT Innovation and Creativity Award
Brittany Goebel Brandon Reiner

Scholar Program Awards Danielle Foeller Michaela Kenward Sara Kota Katelyn Simmons Samantha Walker

Scholastic Bowl Olivia Audsley Russell Cunningham Bethany Ezard Nicholas Kelly Michaela Kenward Nathaniel McCarthy Ashley Montgomery Chase Toal Michael Zwerka

Stephanie Lynn Tooley Cheerleading Scholarship Erika Caruso

Student Sage Scholar Award Bethany Ezard Rider Farnsworth

Superintendent’s Award Michaela Kenward

Triple “C”Award Ana Hubbard Colby Savage

U.F.C.W. Local One Benefit Funds Educational
Department and Tops Market LLC Scholarship Andrew Sczepanski

Van Hulburt Memorial Award Lindsey Lovett

Wanda L. MacVean English Recognition Award
Colleen Clay

Wegmans Scholarship Adam Strassner

William Cummings Award Jeremy Fink

Xerox Award for Innovation & Information Technology Rider Farnsworth

Scholar Program

The Byron-Bergen High School’s academic incentive program recognizes students for their good effort, attendance, and academics.This reward program is named the “Scholar Program” and the cards achieved are Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Special Recognition.At the end of the year, monetary awards are presented at Academic & Athletic Recognition Night to seniors who have maintained a solid record of attaining cards throughout their high school career.

The Scholar Program Committee is pleased to announce the 2014-15 third quarter recipients:

Gold Scholar Larissa Ashton Sarah Bleiler Merrisa Bohn Kolbi Brew
Alexander Brumsted Brandon Burke Elizabeth Burlingame Dante Bzduch Siomara Caballero Quinn Chapell Colleen Clay Sarah Clay

Zachary Cocking Alexander Dean Elizabeth Donnelly Adam Drake Makayla Fee Jeremy Fink Danielle Foeller Kyle Foeller Clare Fraser Sara Fraser Morgan Fuller Leah Gale Chad Green

Amaya Gunther Zachary Hannan Kaitlyn Harder Tyler Henry Hailey Hubbard Rick Hubbard Cora Ivison Michaela Kenward Cambria Kinkelaar Sara Kota Hunter Leach Celia Mercovich
Ashley Montgomery

Abigail Noeth Brittany Rada Jacob Rada
Auburn Schwartzmeyer Zackary Seeley Caleb Sharpe Chloe Shuskey Katelyn Simmons Leah Thompson Anabella Vurraro Samantha Walker Michael Zwerka Nathan Zwerka

Silver Scholar Hannah Catalino Anthony DiQuattro Marliana Fee Justin Hannan
Melissa MacCowan Esther Musiyevich Alexandria Rosse

Home of the Bees 13

Byron-Bergen 2014-15 Third Quarter Honor Roll

GRADE 7
High Honor Roll—Caitlin Ashton, Alexander Brumsted, Elizabeth Burlingame, Siomara Caballero, Alexis Calarco, Alexander Dean, Elizabeth Donnelly, Madison Farnsworth,
Kyle Foeller, Sara Fraser, Chad Green,Amaya Gunther, Zachary Hannan, Rick Hubbard, Cambria Kinkelaar, Melissa MacCowan, Jillian Menzie, Kyle Schramm,Auburn Schwartzmeyer, Hannah Seppe, Caleb Sharpe, Chloe Shuskey, Peter Smith, Garrett Swinter, Annabella Vurraro, Grant Williams, Nathan Zwerka.
Honor Roll—Julianna Amesbury,Cole Bergeron, Megan Bogue, Hannah Catalino, Kelsey Fuller, Mikaela Hubler, Connor Kaminski,Travis Lambert, Samuel Pringle, Clayton Sadler, Kevin Smith, Hannah VanSkiver, Bryce Yockel, Braeden Zimmerman.
Effort Roll—Caitlin Ashton, Alexander Brumsted, Elizabeth Burlingame, Siomara Caballero,Alexander Dean, Elizabeth Donnelly, Madison Farnsworth, Kyle Foeller, Sara Fraser, Kelsey Fuller, Chad Green,Amaya Gunther, Zachary Hannan, Rick Hubbard, Cambria Kinkelaar, Melissa MacCowan, Jillian Menzie, Auburn Schwartzmeyer, Caleb Sharpe, Chloe Shuskey,Annabella Vurraro,Grant Williams, Nathan Zwerka.

GRADE 8
High Honor Roll—Sarah Bleiler, Kolbi Brew, Dante Bzduch-Clark, Zachary Cocking, Adam Drake, Jared Fregoe, Leah Gale, Emma
Goodman,Annaliese Hersom, Donna Hinckley, William Johnson, Oliver Kelley, Hunter Leach, Sabastian Pawlukewicz, Brianna Shade, Kyong-ae Yun.
Honor Roll—Stephanie Buell, Lydia Campbell, Cole Carlson, Michael Caruso, Ryan Cooper, Alissa Countryman, Colin Davis,Anthony DiQuattro, Mariah Fee,Tabitha Fuller, Jason Hoehn, Rebecca Johnson, Isaac Ladley, Janae Meister, Rayelle Merrell, Kevin Paasch, Erin Parnapy, James Roggow, MacKenzie Rosse, Emma Smith, Wade Thompson,Brandon Zastrocky.
Effort Roll—Sarah Bleiler, Kolbi Brew, Dante Bzduch-Clark, Zachary Cocking,Anthony DiQuattro,Adam Drake, Jared Fregoe, Leah Gale, Emma Goodman,Annaliese Hersom, Donna Hinckley,William Johnson, Oliver Kelley, Hunter Leach, Brianna Shade.

GRADE 9
High Honor Roll—Larissa Ashton,Cameron Brumsted, Catherine Brumsted, Lauren Burke, Benjamin Chaback, Quinn Chapell, Jean Denson,Timothy Ellsworth, Morgan Fuller, Margaret Graney,Tyler Henry,Alyssa Hing, Brian Ireland, Melanie Kulikowski, Peyton Mackey, Lily Mercovich, Makenzie Muoio,Austin Sharpe, Leah Thompson, Dana VanValkenburg.
Honor Roll—Cynthia Clay, Brionna DeMichel, Justin Hannan, Hayley Hoehn, Daniel Jensen, Brendon Kendall, Nathan Knickerbocker, Jonathan Lathan, Julia Menzie, Dillon Montgomery, Joshua Phelps, Riley Sadler, Garrett Sando,Tapanga Schramm, Chaderic Toal,Nicole Welka,Esther Wilkins. Effort Roll—Larissa Ashton, Megan Brown, Cameron Brumsted, Lauren Burke, Benjamin Chaback, Quinn Chapell, Jean Denson, Timothy Ellsworth, Morgan Fuller, Margaret Graney, Ethan Green, Justin Hannan,Tyler Henry,Alyssa Hing, Hayley Hoehn, Brian Ireland, Melanie Kulikowski, Peyton Mackey, Lily Mercovich, Makenzie Muoio, Garrett Sando,Tapanga Schramm,Austin Sharpe, Leah Thompson,Dana VanValkenburg.

GRADE 10
High Honor Roll—Olivia Audsley,Lindsey Bowman, Dillon Brew, Brandon Burke, Marlaina Fee, Clare Fraser, Hailey Hubbard, Celia Mercovich, Brandon Perry, Grace Pulcini, Brittany Rada,Adam Walter, Michael Zwerka. Honor Roll—Dominick Andres, Kerri Bates, Michaela Bohn, Rose Bower, Grace Campbell, Russell Cunningham, Reanne Dressler, Chase Felton, Mackenzie Fox, Jenica Hickey, Jessica Holley,Alexandria Loewke, Kelsey Maurer, Ryan Richardson, Karson Richenberg, Brandon Shade, Mary Sweeney, Chase Toal, Samantha Wade.
Effort Roll—Dominick Andres,Olivia Audsley, Kerri Bates, Lindsey Bowman, Dillon Brew, Brandon Burke, Grace Campbell, Russell Cunningham, Reanne Dressler, Marlaina
Fee, Chase Felton, Mackenzie Fox, Clare Fraser, Hailey Hubbard, Kitana Maher, Celia Mercovich, Grace Pulcini, Brittany Rada, Karson Richenberg, Samantha Wade,Adam Walter, Michael Zwerka.

GRADE 11
High Honor Roll—Merrisa Bohn, Heather Countryman, Jeremiah DeLorme, Bethany Ezard, Brittany Goebel, Lauren Graney, Kaitlyn Harder,Ana Hubbard, Cora Ivison,Allison Kropf,Ashley Montgomery,Allie Moyer, Mason Muoio, Esther Musiyevich,Alexandria Rosse, Alexa Strzelecki.
Honor Roll—Alicyn Bizari,Aaron Buckland, Leah Catalino, Bryanna D’Agostino, Samantha Donnelly, Julia Hahn, Ethan Hall,Tyler Kota, Lindsay Ladley,Adrianna Lathan, Joelle Meister, Vitorrio Muoio, Brandon Reiner, Robert Thompson,Abriana Walls,Andrew Wolfe, Christopher Yockel,Aurora Zinter.
Effort Roll—Merrisa Bohn, Jeremiah DeLorme, Bethany Ezard,Aaries Fitzsimmons, Brittany Goebel, Lauren Graney, Julia Hahn, Ethan Hall, Kaitlyn Harder,Ana Hubbard, Cora Ivison, Allison Kropf, Ashley Montgomery, Esther Musiyevich, Jacob Petote,Alexandria Rosse,Alexa Strzelecki, Robert Thompson.

GRADE 12
High Honor Roll—Alex Beam, Emily Bowman, Colleen Clay, Sarah Clay,Alana Diefendorf, Sean Donovan, Makayla Fee, Danielle Foeller, Luke Hollenbeck, Rebekah Ireland,Abigail Kelley, Michaela Kenward, Sara Kota,Adrian Lambert, Lindsey Lovett, Michelle Lovett, Gerald Menzie, Samantha Morgante, Catherine Nagel,Abigail Noeth, Nicola Pellacani, Jacob Rada, Bethann Rethlake, Jacob Scroger, Zackary Seeley, Katelyn Simmons, Jordan Sloat, Brette-Morgan Snyder, Christine Stevens, Sadie Vincent, Samantha Walker, Rachel Wannike,Melinda Wells.
Honor Roll—Michaela Austin, Ashley Bates, Chad Bobzin, Heather Dries, Emily DuBois, Jeremy Fink, Bryan Hallenbeck, Nicholas Kelly, Spencer Kulikowski, Jacob Lovelace, Danna Perez Lopez,Taylor Plank, Leah Stamp, Olivia Sweet, Joseph Volasquez, Skylar Wade, Nicholas Warriner,Melissa Watson,Madelyn Wittman. Effort Roll—Emily Bowman, Erika Caruso, Colleen Clay, Sarah Clay,Alana Diefendorf, Sean Donovan, Heather Dries, Makayla Fee, Jeremy Fink, Danielle Foeller, Luke Hollenbeck, Rebekah Ireland,Abigail Kelley, Michaela Kenward, Sara Kota, Spencer Kulikowski, Adrian Lambert, Jacob Lovelace, Lindsey
Lovett, Michelle Lovett, Gerald Menzie, Joseph Miraglia, Samantha Morgante,Abigail Noeth, Nicola Pellacani, Jacob Rada, Bethann Rethlake, Jacob Scroger, Katelyn Simmons, Jordan Sloat, Brette-Morgan Snyder, Christine Stevens, Samantha Walker,Rachel Wannike,
Melinda Wells.

14 Byron-Bergen Central School District

June 2015

Elementary School News By: Brian Meister, Principal

Another year has come to a close and it is always hard to say goodbye. Our children have headed off for
a fun-filled summer, and we are taking the opportunity to reflect on all the wonderful experiences they have had.They can truly be
proud of the many accomplishments they have made this past year. From award-winning artists and musicians to scholarship award winners,
the students at Byron-Bergen Elementary continue to shine bright.

Over the last few weeks, we took several opportunities to celebrate our excitement for learning. Here are just a few examples of the festivities:

Math Masters beat Oakfield-Alabama in a close race Throughout the year, our school has been engaged in a friendly
competition with our nearby neighbors in Oakfield-Alabama. Using a math practice program called Xtra Math, our students have been working diligently to practice and master their math facts. The school principal with the fewest “math masters” by the end of April
had to wear the other school’s mascot costume. I’m proud to say that Mrs. Santora, Principal of O-A Elementary School, wore the Byron-Bergen Bee well. More importantly, both schools did so well that they each hosted
a Math Carnival to celebrate the tremendous effort all the students gave.

Annual Reading Celebration
Elementary School Science Fair
were submitted in what has
become an annual event here at the
Elementary School. Students learn to
Elementary’s success. Once again
our students were challenged to get
More than 50 science fair projects		Reading continues to be the Wearing his duct tape suit jacket, Principal	driving force behind Byron-Bergen Meister shares a moment with kindergartners
Dorman, and Kai Gilbert.
involved and read.The goal this year
develop investigative questions, form	(l-r) Mason Holbrook, Robert Dix,Audrey
Participants and their families
celebrated with a fun-filled evening of investigation
and participation. Many thanks to our event coordinator
fourth-grade teacher Craig Craig Schroth, and to all of
the teachers and parents who came out to make learning
come alive.
hypotheses, and conduct experiments.		was to collectively read 20,000 books. If the goal was reached, the students would enjoy a Reading Celebration filled with fun skits and songs.The highlight of the event was getting to duct tape Mrs. Cook and I to chairs. Proudly, the students read 23,473 books this year! To add to the fun, both Mrs. Cook and I wore duct tape clothing for the entire day much to the amusement of the students.

Elementary Mock Trial Team wins in a landslide The trial of the century occurred at the Genesee County
Courthouse at noon on Friday, May 8.A team of fifth-grade defense attorneys argued and presented evidence to find their client not guilty of the alleged aggravated battery charges. Six months of hard work paid off as our fifth-grade Mock Trial Team brought home another win for our District!

Annual Elementary School Art Show wows!
More than 600 pieces of original art were on display at the Elementary School Art Show.Throughout the day and during the evening, students were beaming with pride as they sought out and showed off their tremendous artwork.Thank you to art teacher Melissa Congilio for making sure every child in our school was represented in the show.

Each year, I write to remind families of the importance of maintaining a literacy-rich environment for their children over the summer. Research has shown that students who do not engage in language-rich literacy activities for a sustained period of time encounter a stagnation or decline in their reading skills. Unfortunately, we see it much too often—even in our best readers.The good news is that there is an easy solution. Keep your kids reading throughout the summer. Whether they choose books, magazines, or online resources, children who are kept engaged in reading will be greatly benefited in school next year. If you have any questions about ways to get your child reading, please give me a call.

I would like to thank all of the families and friends of
Byron-Bergen Elementary School for their ongoing support of our students and school. Have a great summer. I look forward to seeing you in the fall.

Home of the Bees 15

Elementary students read 23,473 books since December—46 books per child

The Byron-Bergen Elementary School’s Celebration of Reading Challenge began on December 5, 2014—students pledged to read 20,000 books before the school year ended. On May 28, the entire school population gathered to hear the results, delivered by teacher Debbie Slocum: just over 510 motivated young readers had exceeded their goal, reading a total of 23,473 books.

And the students’ reward for all that reading? Inspired by the book “Stuck” by Oliver Jeffers, about an impossible tree where everything thrown into
it gets stuck, Principal Brian Meister and Assistant Principal Amanda Cook promised to allow themselves to be duct taped to chairs during the assembly, and to wear clothes made of duct tape the next day.“It’s a fun way to get students “stuck” on reading,” said Meister.“It keeps them excited and wanting to read more, while the duct tape event itself is something they will always remember.”

The Celebration of Reading is the brainchild of Byron-Bergen’s English language arts (ELA) committee, which began the challenge in 2013 with a goal of reading 10,000 books (a target also exceeded by over 8,000).The assembly included guest speaker Nancy Bailey from the Bergen Public Library who invited the children to visit the library and to keep reading over the summer.

Selected readers from each grade level received new books to jumpstart their summers, some of which were signed by the authors or illustrators.

Teachers read selections from a few favorite books, complete with comic flourishes. Craig Schroth read from Mo Willems’ “Knuffle Bunny;”Taylor Farruggia read from “Strega Nona” by Tomie
DePaola; Heather Young entertained with “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good,Very Bad Day” by Judith Viorst and Ray Cruz;
and Daneen Williams read from “Miss Nelson is Missing” by Harry G.Allard, Jr. and James Marshall. Many other teachers participated in the event, including Nicole Newton, Mariah LaSpina, and Karen Tischer.

A highlight of the readings was a
hip-hop version of the Dr. Seuss classic “Green Eggs and Ham” by teachers Ken Rogoyski and Megan Wahl, assisted by student Katherine Rogoyski as “Fox I Am.” Students were also treated to a showing of the school’s video “Read
a Book” (based on Taylor Swift’s song “Shake It Off”) which
was produced at the beginning of the school year.

Mrs. Cook and Mr. Meister sport their custom-tailored duct tape regalia to celebrate Byron-Bergen Elementary students reading 23,473 books.

Byron-Bergen Elementary School’s Celebration of Reading Challenge proves that Principal Brian Meister and Assistant Principal Amanda Cook, along with the entire student population, are “stuck”on reading.

Byron-Bergen student Katherine Rogoyski and teacher Megan Wahl make Dr. Seuss’s “Green Eggs and Ham” come alive.

16 Byron-Bergen Central School District

			
	
“Fish Collage” Mixed Media
By: Peyton Goodenbery, grade 2 Art Teacher: Mrs. Coniglio
		
		“Starry Night” Colored Pencil
By: Caitlin Ashton, grade 7 Art Teacher:Mrs.Auer

June 2015 Student Showcase

“Crazy Coil Pot” Clay
By: Erin Casey, grade 12 Art Teacher:Mrs.Auer

“Mask” Mixed Media
By: Zoey Shepard, grade 4 Art Teacher: Mrs. Coniglio

“Personal Monogram Prints” Mixed Media
By:Tyler Henry, grade 9 Art Teacher: Mrs. Fritz

“Monet Inspired Landscape” Acrylic Paint on Canvas
By: Makayla Fee, grade 12 Art Teacher: Mrs. Fritz

Home of the Bees 17

WNY Tech Academy By:Tom Schulte, Principal

It seems just yesterday that our first cohort of 22 students walked into the Gillam-Grant Community Center for the first day of summer camp. Since that time, students and staff alike have ridden the wave known as “freshman year.” As we entered June, one thing was abundantly clear— literally and figuratively, we have all grown a considerable amount since our first meeting in August.As a team, we have established a solid foundation for all of the work that lies ahead of us.We’ve developed a common language for effectively working in groups, and established a culture of mutual respect.We look forward to leveraging this work next year as our first cohort joins us on campus daily and we introduce our second cohort of students.

In our final on-campus meeting of the year, our team completed a brainstorming activity identifying what is needed to ensure the long-term success of the WNY Tech Academy.Through this exercise, the team identified the need to establish three key organizational teams—Human Resources, Sales & Marketing, and Public Relations. During our summer camp this August, these teams will begin to take shape and our members (i.e., students) will begin to identify critical deliverables that each team will create.All of this work supports the Academy goal of making school look and feel more like the workplace.

To support our growth, we are proud to announce that we will be moving into our new home on the Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School campus.This summer, we will officially move into the former seventh-and eighth-grade
wing on campus.We are incredibly grateful for the support from the entire Byron-Bergen learning community, especially the seventh-and eighth-grade teachers, as we make this move.The move will allow us to create unique workspaces for our members to engage in problem-based learning activities in a flexible and collaborative setting,
all while having a limited disruptive impact on the rest of the Byron-Bergen Learning Community, thanks to the private entrance to the bus loop.This fall, we will be
hosting a grand opening ceremony and open house.While more details will follow, we invite the entire Byron-Bergen community to come out and see how this unique public/ private partnership known as the WNY Tech Academy is seeking to change the dynamic of learning!

In addition to the excitement surrounding having members on campus daily, we are equally excited to share that the WNY Tech Academy is experiencing growth. Next year, we look to welcome 29 new members to our team! Having met with each new member and their family, we are confident they will positively contribute to the overall growth and development of our program, all while experiencing personal growth that will truly prepare them for the next phase of their lives; whether that be immediately entering the workforce or continuing their education.

18 Byron-Bergen Central School District

Breakfast served 8:15 to 9:15 a.m. & Lunch served11:00 am. to 12:30 p.m.
June 2015 R	i

Kosiorek receives GVASCD Supervision Award for 2015

Byron-Bergen Superintendent Casey Kosiorek was honored in May with the Genesee Valley Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (GVASCD) Supervision Award for 2015 in recognition of his leadership on several District initiatives, including the WNY Tech Academy, the Video Recording Coaching Initiative for teachers, and the District’s recent designation as a State School District of Character.

He is shown here with other 2015 GVASCD award winners (l-r) Dr. J. Kenneth Graham, Jr., Superintendent of Rush Henrietta CSD;
Dr. Renee Williams,Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services at
Honeoye Falls-Lima CSD; Superintendent Kosiorek; and Mark Kokanovich, president of Brighton CSD Board of Education and Monroe County School Boards Association.

2015 APPLE Award given to B-B teacher Jay Wolcott

Byron-Bergen HS technology teacher Jay Wolcott received the 2015 APPLE award from the Genesee County Business Education Alliance.APPLEs are given to educators who are committed to supporting collaboration between public education and the business community.Wolcott teaches a class in manufacturing, and has built partnerships with local companies, like Turnbull Heating and Cooling, which continue to benefit our students. He is shown here with BEA Director Eve Hens.

Byron Bergen Central School District

We’re here to serve youand your family
delicious breakfasts and lunches. Convenient, economical, and healthy meals served
July 6-August 7, 2015.	$2.50 $4.00 Breakfast	Lunch

Monday-Friday 8:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

July 6 throughAugust 7, 2015
Held at Byron-Bergen Elementary School, 6971W. Bergen Rd.,. Bergen, NY 14416

No paperwork required...just show up for a greatBreakfastand Lunch.

Thisestablishmentisanequalopportunity employer/provider.

Pesticide Application Notice

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation enacted a program that requires all schools to provide you with information about pesticide product applications made throughout the school year. Under State law, the school is required to maintain a list of parents, guardians, and staff who wish to receive 48-hour advance written notice prior to a
pesticide application.At this time we are informing you that no pesticides have been applied in the Byron-Bergen CSD since the last notification was published in the 2015 Spring Focal Point.

To register your name with the school to be on a 48-hour notification list, send a request to Byron-Bergen Central School District Office, 6917 W. Bergen Rd., Bergen, NY 14416.A written request must be submitted annually.

Home of the Bees 19

Byron-Bergen Central School District
2015-20
Creating Leaders One Student at a Time STRATEGIC PLAN 20

OUR MISSION

Our mission at Byron-Bergen is to…

Challenge, engage, and nurture students to pursue a life-long commitment to personal and academic achievement and strong character.

STRATEGIC PLANNING

President Franklin D. Roosevelt once said,“We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.” Now more than ever, President Roosevelt’s words are appropriate for our country
and for Byron-Bergen’s new strategic plan, entitled Byron-Bergen Central Schools: Creating Leaders One Student at a Time.

This plan focuses on six overarching areas of school improvement, including College and Career Readiness; Communication; Professional Development; Physical, Social, and Emotional Health; Technology; and Facilities. It
is the work of the District Strategic Framework Team, which included representation from all facets of the school and greater community. The team collected feedback through interviews, focus groups, and surveys from all stakeholder groups.

OUR VISION

Preparing students for excellence, the Byron-Bergen Central School District:

• Provides all students with a rigorous, well rounded educational experience.

• Is committed to fostering ethical standards and strong character.

• Is empowered by the community, parents, students, faculty, and staff.

• Graduates students who are ready to take on the challenges of an ever changing world.

On behalf of the Board of Education, I would like to thank everyone who participated in the important work of providing feedback on the District’s performance, prioritizing goals based on this information, and sharing insight into the development of the plan that will anchor the District as we strive for excellence in the future. The “heavy lifting” will now begin, as
students, parents, community, faculty, and staff will work to make these goals the sustainable reality here at the Byron-Bergen Central School District.

Mr. Casey Kosiorek Superintendent of Schools

20 Byron-Bergen Central School District

June 2015 GOAL 1:

Improve College and Career Readiness

	Action Steps
	Designation
	Time Frame
	Measurement

Improve the number of students reading at grade level by third grade to 100%.
	
Elementary Administration and Staff
	
5% per year until 100%
	
Benchmark data supports achievement.
	
	Develop career awareness curriculum at sixth grade.
	
Elementary Principal
	
2016
	Students are participating in program.
	
	Implement a College and Career Center at Jr./Sr. High School.
	Jr./Sr. High School Principal
	
2016
	Center established. Feedback improves student placement.

Create and maintain viable curriculum documents UPK-12.
	
Administration and Staff
	ELA and Math by 2017; remaining content areas by 2020
	
Viable curriculum established and monitored.

Implement Driver’s Education.
	Jr./Sr. High School Principal
	
2017
	
Driver’s Education offered.
	
	Track Byron-Bergen graduates’ post-graduation college and career placement.
	Jr./Sr. High School Principal
	
2017
	Tool developed and implemented.
	
	Implement Reading Recovery at Elementary School.
	
Elementary Principal
	
2018
	Reading Recovery implemented.

Improve graduation rate to 95% or better.
	Jr./Sr. High School Principal and Staff
	
2020
	
Graduation rate 95% or better.

Increase UPK-12 academic offerings.
	
Administration and Staff
	
2020
	
New offerings available.

			
	GO
	AL 2:

	Improve Communication
	
	Action Steps
	Designation
	Time Frame
	Measurement
	
	Develop guidelines for SchoolTool and ConnectEd.
	Administration and Faculty
	
2016
	Established guidelines complete.

Revise fundraising policy and procedures.
	Superintendent and BOE Policy Committee
	
2016
	
Policy and procedure revised.

Improve utilization and formatting of website.
	
Superintendent and Technology Committee
	
2017
	
Community feedback supports improved communication.

Implement and maintain web-based classroom communication tool.
	
Administration and Faculty
	
2018
	Tool identified. All faculty utilizing on a regular basis to meet District-set expectations.

Home of the Bees 21

GOAL 3:

Improve Professional Development

Action Steps
	Designation
	Time Frame
	Measurement

Establish a Professional Development Committee UPK-12.
	
Administration and Faculty
	
2017
	Meeting minutes and professional development agendas. Survey feedback on professional development opportunities.
	
Establish Content Leaders for ELA, Math, Social Studies, and Science UPK-6 and 7-12.
	
Superintendent
	
2017
	
Positions established.
	
Increase professional staff participation in the Video Recording Instructional Coaching Initiative.
	
Instructional Coach and Faculty
	
2020
	
Data of number of faculty participating quantifies a 5% increase in participation each year.

GOAL 4:

Improve Physical, Social, and Emotional Health

Action Steps
	Designation
	Time Frame
	Measurement

Implement School Resource Officer position.

Superintendent

2016
	Violent incidents report shows decline of violence in District. Number of student discipline referrals declines. Truancy declines. Staff, students, and visitors of District exhibit increased comfort in reporting crimes. Survey feedback shows overall level of safety in District has improved.
	
Provide annual training in CPR and AED for all staff and students.
	
Superintendent
	
2016
	
All students and staff receive training annually.

Implement Safe School Bus program UPK-6.
	Elementary Principal and Transportation Director
	
2017
	
Program implemented. Student bus behavior improves. Discipline referrals decline.
	
Implement Second Step Drug
and Alcohol Prevention Program K-6.
	
Elementary Principal
	
2017
	Program implemented. Survey data supports improved decision making by students.

Provide Student Service Referral Prevention Educator at Jr./Sr. High School.

Jr./Sr. High School Principal

2017
	Process for providing services for students using drugs and alcohol becomes more efficient. Greater oversight for families and students
who receive services. Genesee County Alcohol and Substance Abuse survey supports fewer incidents of students using drugs and alcohol.
	
Implement Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports program UPK-12.
	
Administration and Staff
	
2018
	
Program implemented. School pride improves.

22 Byron-Bergen Central School District

June 2015 GOAL 5:
Improve the Use of Technology

Action Steps
	Designation
	Time Frame
	Measurement

Restructure Technology Department.
	Business Official and Technology Committee
	
2016
	
Effectiveness of department improves.

Establish Technology Committee.
	
Superintendent
	
2016
	Committee is established and meets regularly.
	
Develop and implement technology selection and implementation process.
	
Technology Committee
	
2017
	
Process established and practiced.

GOAL 6:

Improve Facilities

Action Steps
	Designation
	Time Frame
	Measurement
	
Restructure Building and Grounds Department.
	Business Official and Director of Facilities
	
2016
	
Restructured department is established.
	
Conduct Building and Conditions Survey.
	Director of Facilities
	2016
	Survey is completed.
	
Develop scope work for potential Capital Project to address needed improvements at Elementary School and Athletic Stadium.
	
Administration, Director of Facilities, and BOE Facilities Committee

2017

Plans for project are completed.
	
Seek community approval for Capital Project.
	Superintendent and BOE
	
2019
	
Community passes project referendum.

Home of the Bees 23

Superintendent Casey Kosiorek

Board of Education Debra List, President
Daniel Ireland,Vice President Yvonne Ace-Wagoner William Forsyth Tammy Menzie Amy Phillips
Jennifer VanValkenburg

Byron-Bergen Central School District Bergen, NY 14416

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage Paid Brockport, NY Permit No. 7

Editor Gayla Starowitz

Graphic Designer Lisa Constantine

w w w.bbschools.org

Byron-Bergen CSD designated a 2015 State School District of Character

The Byron-Bergen Central School District’s emphasis on educating the whole student recently earned it a place on Character.org’s annual list of State Schools and Districts of Character. These 80 schools and four districts from around the United States demonstrate
a dedicated focus on character development that has a true positive impact on academic achievement, student behavior, and school climate.

“This is a great honor for everyone in our District — from the students and parents to the teachers and administrators. They have all been united in their efforts to make our schools
places where students can learn to be both intelligent and good citizens,” said BBCSD Superintendent Casey Kosiorek.“I am so proud to see our school community recognized for their dedication and hard work.”

BBCSD adopted a District-wide framework for character education in 2012 that teaches students about leadership, ethics, decision making, and respect. It centered on the District’s core values,“Challenge, Engage, Nurture.”The Olweus Bullying Prevention Program (www.violencepreventionworks.org) has since become an integral part of the education experience at all grade levels.“The Leader in Me” (www.theleaderinme.org), a

whole-school transformational model that uses Steven Covey’s Seven Habits and gives students self-confidence and life skills, was also adopted in 2012.

The extensive School of Character application process was navigated by Amanda Cook and Patrick McGee,Assistant Principals at the Elementary and Jr./Sr. High Schools.“The process offered us the chance to reflect on our character education initiatives and identify areas of strength as well as opportunity,” said Cook.“Their reviewers gave us feedback that will help us strengthen current practices using the 11 Principles of Character Education framed by Character.org.”

The character education movement is a proactive effort to help students recognize, and then do, what’s right. In schools of character, teachers work together as professionals, with parents
and community members as partners.They positively shape the social, emotional, and character development of their students. Children in these schools feel safe, respected, and connected to those around them, allowing them to thrive academically and socially and be motivated to give back to their communities.

Character.org (www.character.org) is a national nonprofit based in Washington, D.C. that works with schools to inspire, educate, and empower young people to be ethical and engaged citizens.

24 Byron-Bergen Central School District