fortunate to have a Board of

Byron-Bergen Central School District

									

			

Fall 2016	w w w.bbschools.org Superintendent’s Message

On behalf of the Board of Education, I would like to welcome you back to the 2016-2017 school year! It is an honor to be serving as Superintendent
of Byron-Bergen Schools. I appreciate the kind gestures extended to my family and me during our transition
to the Byron-Bergen Mickey Edwards	learning community.We are
Superintendent of Schools	Education that is committed to serving all school members and the Byron-Bergen community with purpose.

Even though the summer break is a nice change of pace, our schools are better when filled with the energy of students and staff. In education, September signifies new beginnings. It is a chance to start anew with high
expectations and positive attitudes while establishing new connections.We are proud of our schools and aspire to create the very best experiences for all of our children. I look forward to capitalizing upon the unique spirit of our school community and embracing our talented students, dynamic staff, and incredibly supportive parents and community members.

We look back with pride on the successes of the past school year, including Byron-Bergen being named a NYS School District of Character, our athletic teams winning

the NYSPHSAA Sportsmanship Promotion Program Award, and our music and fine arts programs flourishing with a number of students participating at the county and state levels.We look forward to this year as we build on those accomplishments and continue to work hard, collaborate, and commit to our mission to challenge, engage, and nurture our students.

The 2016-2017 school year promises new opportunities for our students.They will continue to experience successes in various environments and create cherished memories.Already this year, our Elementary School’s Inquiry-Based Learning class was awarded the NYS School Board Association’s Be the Change for Kids Innovation Award. Byron-Bergen was one of only three school districts in the State to receive this honor.

We invite parents and community members to join in these moments. Parental involvement is a significant factor for student success at school. No matter where they are
in their educational journey, students look to the adults in their lives for structure and guidance.We value your
partnership and view our relationship with our families as vital to the overall achievements of our children.

Finally, please do not hesitate to call or send me an email. I want to learn more about our schools and community. In addition, I am interested in your ideas as we prepare for the upcoming 2017-2018 budget. I can be reached at 494-1220 ext. 2829, or medwards@bbschools.org.

Board President’s Corner...............................................................2 Byron-Bergen Welcomes New Staff...........................................4-5 Jr./Sr. High School Update.........................................................6-7 Elementary School News............................................................10 Fire Prevention Day.............................................................. 15 Board Recognition Week...................................................... 16

2     Byron-Bergen Central School District

Fall 2016

Positive relationships build safe schools By Deputy Matt Butler, School Resource Officer

It is great to be back at Byron-Bergen Central School for the start of my second year. I’m excited to be here, and I’d like to take this opportunity to tell you about my professional background and the goals I have set for the upcoming year.

I am a 19-year veteran with the Genesee County Sheriff’s office. I’ve worked every shift out here in the East Patrol Zone. Currently, I am on the Sheriff’s Office Dive Team and am a Drug Recognition Expert (a DRE is an officer who can determine what type of drug category is impairing a driver or other person simply by conducting 12 individual tests). I am also a Drug Impairment Training for Educational Professionals (DITEP) instructor.This means I teach the DRE 12-step process to school administrators, teachers, and
school nurses. I take great pride in being a DRE because of all of the police officers in New York State, there are only about 130 who are DREs. I also possess a Master’s degree in criminal justice administration from Keuka College.

“Every day in the district presents another chance

to build on all of these

relationships and to help

create a safe learning

environment for all. I look

forward to many more years here at Byron-Bergen.”

My first goal for this year, and every year, is to improve the safety in our schools for the students and staff.As with all school districts, we can always make improvements.This may be in the form of how we allow visitors into our school or use signage to direct them to the main office. I am currently

establishing and conducting a Safety and Security Audit for the District.This audit will be a detailed analysis that
will allow us to improve the safety of everyone who comes to our District. It will be completed and ready to implement in late October.

My second goal is to continue to build positive relationships with our students. So far this year, I have assisted
in teaching Olweus bullying prevention lessons and worked directly with students of all ages.This has been very beneficial to building what I hope will be long-lasting relationships.

Last year, I began speaking with classes about various law enforcement topics including search and seizure, and the danger of drugs and weapons in our society. I’m continuing that practice, as well as attending a majority of varsity sporting events—both for security purposes and to cheer on our Bees. It has been a joy to speak with students who attend these games, and to get to know them outside of school.

Students know that I have an open door policy, and I have spoken with a number of them about their everyday problems. I have also had the chance to be part of the mentor program with the Western New York Tech Academy. This is a
great opportunity to help students with life experiences and assist them with academic work.

A friendly face on the first day of school—Deputy Butler connects
with kindergartener Benjamin Vargas.

Every day in the District presents another chance to build on all of these relationships and to help create a safe learning environment for all. I look forward to many more years here at Byron-Bergen.

Home of the Bees	3

Byron-Bergen Welcomes New Staff

At the Elementary School

Colleen Clary returns to
Byron-Bergen Elementary this year as a third-grade teacher. She is excited to work with our awesome kids.“I love their creativity and curiosity,” she said.“They feel comfortable trying new things and take great pride
in themselves.They are filled with enthusiasm, compassion, and silliness!” (She knows this because she was our long-term substitute in fifth grade last year.)

Clary studied childhood education and then completed her Master of Curriculum and Instruction with Inclusive Education at SUNY Fredonia. She has taught preschool and substituted in several other districts. She enjoys being part of the Byron-Bergen community.“I have observed the investment that parents, teachers, and community members put into our students,” she said.“The support and family-like atmosphere make this a wonderful place to work.”

She and her family (partner Cole and daughter Abigail) restored an old home in Kendall and are now working to create a functional family farm along with their two dogs, chickens, and goats.

Kaitlin Kaercher, our newest fourth-grade teacher, loves “Everything!” about her students.“I am so inspired by their curiosity, tenacity, and kindness.” she said.“These children so obviously want to learn, and motivate me so much.A bonus—they all seem to LOVE to read, which I have to thank their parents and past teachers for!”

Kaercher is originally from Holley. She has a Bachelor’s degree from SUNY Brockport and a Master of Science in Education from the College of Saint

Rose. She taught in Brooklyn,Albany, Ballston Spa, and Rochester, and even worked in the NYS Legislature for three years. Her husband, Rob, is our College and Career Counselor at the Jr./Sr. High School, and their two babies, Charlotte and Sammy, will grow up to be proud B-B Bees.

“I love the sense of pride and community/school spirit here.” she said.“The community really rallies around the school, and the school is truly invested in all students. Everyone I have encountered in and out of school seems proud to be part of the B-B community. I am so happy to be raising my children in such a close-knit and proud environment.”

Charity Kinkelaar moved to Bergen two years ago from Ohio, and was a long-term substitute in kindergarten last year. Now she is our full-time fifth-grade teacher in writing, science, and character education.“I love that my students are risk-takers with big ideas, eager to learn with positive attitudes,” she said.“They even laugh at my jokes (even though they’re really not very funny).”

Kinkelaar holds a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Ohio
State University and plans to finish her Master’s at Roberts Wesleyan. She has been married “to my best friend for 21 years” and they have three kids, now all B-B Bees.The family includes two dogs, one fish, and nine chickens.They enjoy camping and exploring all the great spots New York has to offer.

“In our short time here, young classmates have reached out to my children and included them in their groups. Our neighbors have been generous and kind, and we have made so many new friends with the most

wonderful people. I have to say my favorite thing about this community is our spectacular school district!”

At the Jr./Sr. High School

Kayleigh DeAngelo fills several roles in 2016-2017: Family and Consumer Science teacher and seventh- and eighth-grade AIS English teacher.
She joined our family last year, as a long-term substitute; before that, she taught at Hillside Children’s Center in Rochester. She received her undergraduate and Master’s degrees from Roberts Wesleyan College.

“What I love most about B-B is that it is so welcoming, both in and out of school,” DeAngelo said.“When I
first started here, I had many students, faculty, and staff offer their help to me, which was fantastic. I love the small town community feel that is so similar to where I grew up.”

DeAngelo gets to know her students personally as well as academically. She said,“I love going out into the
community and seeing them participate in extracurricular activities where
I can see their personalities outside of the school setting.” Students will
notice her at plays and musicals (“I love show tunes!”) and at many sporting events, including track and volleyball. DeAngelo is planning a wedding, to fiancé Michael, for August 2017. (Ask her to show you pics of her “kids” Rudy and Kiya.)

Melissa Levey just couldn’t stay away from B-B and we are glad to have her back.“I missed my colleagues,” she said. “They are a fabulous group.” Levey
has returned to teach business and computer courses, after a two-year stint as long-term substitute at Oakfield-Alabama.
(continued on p. 5)

4     Byron-Bergen Central School District

Bergen Jr./Sr.
Byron
Fall 2016 (continued from p. 4) -Bergen Welcomes New Staff

Originally from Dansville, Levey holds an MBA and a Bachelor of Science
in Business Education from Nazareth College. She and her husband Jamie and son Brandon (in sixth grade) lead a busy life camping, hiking, and traveling with their dog Bandit.

Levey said that the most important aspects of our community are the enthusiasm of our kids (“Love it!”) and the way people here “support and care about each other.”

“I love the very welcoming, warm and friendly, nice country atmosphere here,” she said.“We have awesome faculty, staff, and students.”

White likes to read and ride horses. She and fiancé Dan Stevens, along with son Daniel, stepdaughter Isabelle, and their three dogs, enjoy camping together. White also has a wild side: watch
out for her when she is riding her motorcycle.

We also are very happy to welcome:

Christopher Chapman – Elementary School teacher aide

Emily George – Elementary School teacher aide

Kimberly Maskell – Maintenance Department

Dawn Reed – Elementary School teacher aide

Amanda Wilson – Elementary School teacher aide

At District Ofice

Rachel White has been a part of Byron-Bergen schools since she was in kindergarten here: she is a proud 2003 B-B graduate.After attaining her Associate’s degree in Business Administration from Genesee Community College and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from RIT, she has found her way back home to serve as our new District Clerk.

We are proud to introduce these talented additions to our teaching and support staff who are joining us in full-time roles for the 2016-2017 school year. (l-r) Kaitlin Kaercher, Charity Kinkelaar, Missy Levey, Colleen Clary, Kayleigh DeAngelo, and Rachel White.

Welcome Assistant Principal Scott Bradley

Our administrative team at the Jr./Sr. High School is now complete with the addition of Scott Bradley as our Assistant Principal.

“I am very excited Scott Bradley,	to join the Byron-
Assistant Principal	High School,” said Bradley.“I like the Jr./Sr. High School level because it is such an exciting time for students. I enjoy working with them as they grow into young adults. I like to have the opportunity to help them make decisions about their futures—whether they go to college, the workforce, or the military.”

Bradley holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree from Roberts Wesleyan College and a Master of Science in Education from Nazareth College. He received his Certificate
of Advanced Study in Educational Administration from The College at Brockport.

Prior to joining us, Bradley taught business at the Wayne Central School District. He managed an internship program that focused on providing students site-based learning experiences in career fields of their interest. He also was a business teacher at Greece Athena High School.

“I hope to use my experience to help carry out Byron-Bergen’s mission of challenging, nurturing, and engaging all

of our students,” he said.“This District has an excellent reputation and I am confident that we can continue to build on its strengths.”

Bradley has traveled to more than a dozen countries, but he grew up close by in Lyndonville. His favorite pastime is training for and competing in long course triathlons.“I race professionally on the Ironman and Ironman 70.3 circuit,” he said.“I am a six-time Ironman finisher and a 27-time half-Ironman finisher.” He lives with his wife Rebecca and their wonderful pets (a boxer and two cats).

He smiles.“I look forward to getting to know our staff, students, families, and the community as I work with them throughout the school year.”

Home of the Bees	5

Jr./Sr. High School Update By Patrick McGee, Principal

Welcome back everyone! We have had a great start to the school year at the Jr./Sr. High School.The students and staff have been hard at work honing their skills each day.We decided this year to move our Open House and Spirit Week up
to earlier in September.This was well-received and our school pride has been on full display ever since. It is our goal to make sure that students feel connected to our school learning community.

This year we welcome back a couple of familiar faces. Kayleigh DeAngelo is
returning as a 0.5 Family and Consumer Science and 0.5 English Language Arts teacher. Kayleigh is looking forward
to her first year of teaching while also tackling additional college courses, training her new puppy, planning a wedding, and becoming a part of the
B-B community.Also returning is Missy Levey who is re-establishing the business program for the High School. Missy is looking forward to the opportunity to collaborate with other faculty; seeing how her classes/curriculum can support and coordinate with other disciplines. I would also like to welcome our new Assistant Principal Scott Bradley. Scott comes to us from Wayne Central School District where he taught business and
was coordinator of the Career Placement Center. He also was the girls’ varsity soccer coach for four years. He will play
a large part in our student

management and I am confident that he is going to be a great addition to our team here at Byron-Bergen.

We started a new tradition: Friday Shout-Out. Each Friday we will recognize members of our school learning community during lunch for his/her outstanding contributions to the Byron-Bergen learning community.
We are proud to announce our Friday Shout Out recipients for the fall of the year (so far):

• Bergen Explorers program for their outstanding service to the community: DanaVanValkenburg,Isabelle Bliss, Brian Ireland, Melanie Kulikowski, and Josh Phelps.This is an especially important recognition as the Bergen Post Office was renamed (on September 10) the Barry G. Miller Post Office. Barry Miller started the Explorers program.

• Seventh-grader Madelynn Pimm for her $1,000 donation to our Music Boosters.

• New“AP 5s”AdamWalter,Celia Mercovich, and Grace Pulcini were recognized for receiving a top score of 5 on the U.S. History AP Exam.

I would like to recognize a few other members of our student learning community for their outstanding accomplishments.We celebrated two new 100 Club members, Lauren Burke and Siomara Caballero. Lauren received a score of 100 on the Algebra II and Trigonometry Regents exam, and Siomara received a 100 on her Living Environment exam.We are also pleased to announce that two members of our Singing Silhouettes, Lindsey Bowman
and Mason Fuller, were accepted into the Area All-State Chorus, a choir of 147 of the very best vocalists in seven counties. I’d like to give a big thank you to our Girls’ Soccer Team for raising over $3,000 for cancer awareness.The girls worked tirelessly over the last few months to help support a great cause.All of the money will go to the Wilmot Cancer Center at Strong Memorial Hospital.

September kicked off the start of our College and Career Center visitor program.We welcomed SUNY Oswego, Drexel University, St. John Fisher, SUNY Potsdam, Ithaca College, SUNY Delhi,

(continued on p.7)

6     Byron-Bergen Central School District

folks in our
Fall 2016

(continued from p.6)

Jr./Sr. High School Update

Mercyhurst University, SUNY Fredonia, RIT, SUNY Albany, and the United States Marines Corps. Students were amazed at the variety
of unique college majors and career pathways offered at each institution. In October, we hosted a Rochester Area College Fair. By the end of the month, we will have had over 60 visitors from colleges and our military services to the College and Career Center.

A consistent focus will be on empowering our students and teachers and cultivating an environment for leaders. In September, we
met with several members of our student body to gather feedback and plan for the upcoming year. Our belief is that our most important stakeholders are our students.We will continue to give students opportunities to provide feedback throughout the year and offer leadership and learning.We also had several students from Student Council, along with our Assistant Principal Scott Bradley,and teachers Alana Parnapy and Donna McJury, attend the New York State Council on Leadership and Student Activities Conference at Finger Lakes Community College on September 26.With over 10 schools in attendance, the conference provided an opportunity for principals, advisors, and student leaders to share ideas,
set goals, and to begin a working relationship for the new school year. Issues discussed included dilemmas facing our schools and possible solutions, as well as themes and ideas that would work at our schools. Nathan Knickerbocker, Sadie Cook, Grace Shepard, and Erin Parnapy were the student leaders representing Byron-Bergen at the Leadership Conference.They enjoyed the day sharing and brainstorming ideas with other schools.

Lastly, I truly believe your feedback is vital to the success of our school and our students. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any feedback, questions, or concerns at pmcgee@bbschools.org; call (585) 494-1220 ext. 2401; or stop in the main office.

We are Byron-Bergen!

Special Education Transportation
“A Great Team” By Drew Doll,Transportation Coordinator

Every year, I celebrate School Bus Driver Appreciation Week by writing about our great team of NYS professionals who are intensely dedicated to the community and to their profession.

Every day, we have 14 regular bus routes and the two WNY Tech Academy group “hub” bus runs where we pick up students from 10 surrounding school districts. In addition, we transport many students who want a jumpstart on their career paths to our Batavia BOCES Campus.Also included in our Batavia bus run are students who have chosen to attend one of four different local parochial schools.

The sometimes “forgotten” drivers and bus aides, those whom most of you do not see on a regular basis, are our special education, or special needs professionals.They are dedicated pros who receive training specific to student needs and abilities.They transport over a dozen students to many different classroom facilities.We travel to Rochester, Spencerport, Brockport, and surrounding areas every day—with great pride, knowing we are providing personalized services and the attention our students truly need.

As I was writing this article, I received a call from a teacher at Ethan Rehwaldt’s school who told me that in her many years of teaching she
has never seen a more caring team of professionals who truly work together with teachers than Ricky Myhers and Eileen Shortt.

It’s another proud year for me, working with the nearly 40 outstanding

Transportation	Pictured above are driver Rick Myhers and bus aide Department.	Eileen Shortt.They are assisting one of our students,
Ethan Rehwaldt, for his daily commute to school.

Home of the Bees	7

College & career preparation By Rob Kaercher, Counselor

Shortly after the start of every school year, you might notice bookstores and the internet being swarmed with college ranking articles and “best
of” lists.Articles and lists that let us know which colleges have the best engineering programs and which colleges have the best cafeterias flood my Twitter feed every day. I often reject them. Choosing the perfect college
and career pathway cannot simply be determined by what you read on the Internet or in a guidebook. Decisions are personal and unique to each student.

As a counselor, I have recommended the college I attended to students based on our shared interests. On one occasion,
a student visited my college. Upon his return, he avoided me, and I already understood why.“Mr. Kaercher,” he said. “I did not like that campus one bit.” I was never once upset with him. Instead, my happiness confused him. I was happy that he was honest, and I was happy that he took the initiative to step out of his comfort zone and visit a college campus.

Tyler Henry meets with a college admissions representative from Finger Lakes Community College.

Adam Walter meets with a college admissions representative from the University of Rochester.

The hardest part of the college and career search is leaving your comfort zone.After high school, as students visit a campus for the first time, or discuss career options with an admissions counselor for the first time, their confidence begins to grow. Schools and representatives expose students to careers and majors they did not know existed.The pressure of the unknown begins to lift, as students are educated on the opportunities that exist.

As our College and Career Center enters its second year, the key initiative has been to expose students to opportunities that exist after high school. In order to do that, learning about the interests of each individual student has helped us find new
opportunities for them to explore.This approach started with our seniors and we will continue with the lower grade

levels.There is no such thing as starting this exploratory process “too early.” This fall, we welcomed admissions representatives from over 60 colleges and military branches for individual visits and for a mini-college fair of Rochester area colleges. In early November, seniors will participate in Instant Admission Week, where they will interview and receive an admissions decision on the spot after their transcript and application are reviewed. The financial aid process was explained in detail at our Financial Aid Night on October 20th.We have also had career focused field trips to Construction Career Exploration Day at the Monroe County Fleet Center, Harvest Festival
at Genesee Community College, a college visit to Alfred State, and a tour of manufacturing businesses in Genesee County.

This has been an excellent start to the school year with many more opportunities to come. Byron-Bergen
students are inquisitive and open to new opportunities.With their open minds, their future college and career pathways are limitless.

PARENTS OF EIGHTH-GRADERS

Parent Information Night

Thursday, Jan. 12, 2017

6:30 p.m. in the Auditorium

8     Byron-Bergen Central School District

Fall 2016 f

On September 20, Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School seventh-grader Madelynn Pimm presented a $1,000 donation
to Byron-Bergen Music Boosters, in conjunction with the Byron-Bergen Music Department. Pimm had an idea to sponsor the growth of music in Byron-Bergen Schools.This summer, during the Genesee County Fair
4-H Auction, she sold two lambs and donated the proceeds to Music Boosters.

Pimm credits her commitment to music to teachers Robert Lancia and Karen Tischer who have always encouraged her to reach for the high notes.This past spring, Pimm, along with five
other students, had the honor of playing “Taps” at the Challenger Memorial in Arlington National Cemetery. Lancia was present at the presentation and shared a few words of thanks with Madelynn and her parents Norm and Colleen Pimm. He said that when you
hear about a donation of this magnitude from anyone, you are taken aback. However, to receive this gift from such
a young member of our community is
awe-inspiring.

Byron-Bergen Music Boosters president Tara Van Skiver (l) accepts a donation
for the school’s music program from seventh-grader
Madelynn Pimm (r).

TaraVan Skiver,president of Byron-Bergen Music Boosters, said,“An act like this exemplifies true character. Madelynn’s donation will be put right back into the hands of our students. We will use the donation to purchase a portable recording unit.The software
and sound mixing equipment will allow students to record entire concerts or individual performances. Even more exciting, they will be able to mix,
edit, and engineer post-production recordings.This practical application of sound editing software and mixing equipment will expose the students to the world of music production and sound engineering.”

The Byron-Bergen Music Boosters’ mission is to support music and
arts education in and around our community.SaidVan Skiver,“Our hope is that one student’s generosity will serve to preserve and inspire future musicians in our community for years to come.”

Scholar Program

The Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. 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 and 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 2016-2017 first quarter recipients:

Gold Scholar Caitlin Ashton Larissa Ashton Lindsey Bowman Dillon Brew Brandon Burke Siomara Caballero Lydia Campbell Benjamin Chaback Emily Chaback Alexander Dean

Adam Drake Mariah Fee Joshua Fleming Sara Fraser Kelsey Fuller Emma Goodman Sara Goodman Margaret Graney Tyler Henry
Annaliese Hersom Hope Hersom

Daniel Jensen William Johnson Cambria Kinkelaar Hunter Leach Jillian Menzie Celia Mercovich Lily Mercovich Erin Parnapy
Sabastian Pawlukewicz Brittany Rada Chloe Shuskey

DanaVanValkenburg AbbyVurraro Michael Zwerka Nathan Zwerka

Silver Scholar Sarah Bleiler Madison Farnsworth Marlaina Fee Mackenzie Fox Eden Goff

Emily Gonyea Chad Green Hailey Hubbard Rick Hubbard
Alexandria Loewke Melissa MacCowan Miriam Tardy

Bronze Scholar Elizabeth Donnelly

Home of the Bees	9

Elementary School News By Brian Meister, Principal

This year’s character
Byron-Bergen Elementary School is	Our District and its Inquiry-Based
education theme is BB
Pride. Each student and
staff member received a
special t-shirt to wear every
off to a great start in 2016! In the days	Learning Lab program was recognized leading up to school, our teachers were	with a 2016 Be the Change for Kids busy at work setting up classrooms and	Innovation Award (see article on pg. preparing materials for our children.	11).A representative group of our There is nothing more welcoming to a	students was able to visit Albany for the child than finding his/her name written	presentation, and tour SUNY Poly.The with care on a desk, locker, or cubby.The	Learning Lab is now in its second year many smiles on the faces of children were	of implementation, and our students wonderful to see.	rave about how interesting and
Thursday to express our
enjoyable the course is. We are coming off another year where
school pride and commitment
to good character.
we ranked first in Genesee County in	We were thrilled recently to Business First’s Western New York Schools	welcome representatives from Math rankings.This is our fifth straight year at	and Movement to our school. In
#1. Many thanks go out to our parents,	collaboration with many student and teachers, students, and community for all	teacher volunteers, the folks from Math of the effort and support.                                                                                                 and Movement put on a special evening
event where children were able to hop, skip, jump, and throw This year’s character education theme is BB Pride. Each	as they engaged in fun math activities.
student and staff member received a special t-shirt to
wear every Thursday to express our school pride and	It is my distinct honor to partner with you to provide the commitment to good character. September’s focus was on	children of Byron-Bergen with the finest school experience. respect. Our Character Education Committee put on a	If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at high energy and powerful assembly program teaching the	bmeister@bbschools.org, or call 494-1220.
importance of treating others with respect. Each month, a new focus will be taught and reinforced in classrooms.

Being selected for Safety Patrol is important. It not only sets a positive example for other students, it helps with traffic safety awareness. Principal Meister
is shown with some of the Safety Patrol members. (l-r), Hailey Canfield,Alexandria Schuck,
Emily Salmonds, Kendan Dressler, and Elizabeth Piper.

10 Byron-Bergen Central School District

”
Fall 2016

Byron-Bergen wins Innovation Award as part of statewide educational competition

The fifth annual Be the Change for Kids Innovation Awards were presented by the New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA) and SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) in September. Only three school districts in New York State were selected as winners. Each receives a $5,000 prize to honor and promote exciting approaches to science, technology, engineering, and math-related (STEM) programs.

Byron-Bergen Central School District was recognized for the Inquiry-Based Learning Lab, a program that reaches all K-6 students and provides facilitated instruction through a project-based learning approach.This course seeks STEM applications to real-world
situations in a collaborative environment where every student is able to engineer, create, innovate, and share.

A number of our students and staff attended the awards presentation and were able to take an exciting tour of

“The programs that we are recognizing illustrate

how schools are providing students with a top notch education and preparing them for the high-tech
jobs of tomorrow.

- NYSSBA Executive Director Timothy G. Kremer

SUNY Poly’s $24 billion state-of-the-art Albany NanoTech Complex.

“The programs that we are recognizing illustrate how schools are providing students with a top-notch education and preparing them for the high-tech jobs of tomorrow.Moreover, other school districts can easily adopt these

programs with virtually no impact on their budgets—a win-win for students and the schools they attend,” said NYSSBA Executive Director Timothy G. Kremer.

“As we celebrate five years of honoring innovative STEM-centered educational programs, we are inspired by the award-winning projects that underscore the fact that schools all around New York State are offering incredible programs to meet the demands of our complex society,” said NYSSBA President Susan Bergtraum.“By looking at challenges through the scientific lens, students
gain practical problem solving skills that will prepare them well for their chosen profession.”

We congratulate teacher Craig Schroth for spearheading the project at Byron-Bergen Elementary School, along with all of our students who have jumped in with curiosity and enthusiasm to make the lab a success.

Be the Change for Kids Innovation Award winners were singled out for innovative, easily replicable programs that encourage critical 21st century skills. Byron-Bergen was well-represented at the awards presentation.

Home of the Bees 11

Student Showcase

		

“Dance Sculpture” Adapted Art
(wire, tin foil,paper mache, tempera paint)
By: Mya-Lyn Albanese, grade 8 Art Teacher:Mrs.Auer

“Flowers” Tempera Paint on Paper

By: Iker Garcia, Kindergarten Art Teacher: Mrs. Coniglio

“Pop Art Hands” Tempera Paint on Paper

By: Gabrielle Graff, grade 5 Art Teacher: Mrs. Coniglio

“Stained Glass Rose Window” Marker and Color Diffusing Paper

By: Christian Haller, grade 7

Art Teacher:Mrs.Auer

“Trompe-l’oeil Still Life” Graphite on Paper

By: MacKenzie Rosse, grade 10

Art Teacher: Mrs. Fritz

“Color Theory” Colored Pencil

By: Lucas Stucchio, grade 10 Art Teacher: Mrs. Fritz

12 Byron-Bergen Central School District

Fall 2016

WNY Tech Academy joins the NY Fed’s Leading the Way video challenge

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York, along with local P-Tech schools in the region, is sponsoring Leading the Way:A Greater RochesterWorkforce DevelopmentVideo Campaign.The competition challenges students to create
short, 30-second videos highlighting an in-demand industry along with the technical and professional skills it requires.

Federal Reserve Bank representatives Javier Silva and Edison Reyes visited our students to kick off the challenge and get things started. Student teams will choose a career pathway studied at the WNY Tech Academy (like nanotechnology, accounting, food processing technology, or supply chain management) plus one technical skill and two soft skills associated with success in that career.Teams are encouraged to take a creative approach to the video, keeping in mind that their audience is composed of young people just like them.

The peer-to-peer videos will help raise awareness of the career opportunities available to young people in the Rochester area.The winning video will air in a local movie theater and be displayed on the Fed’s website. Participating
P-Tech schools include Wayne Finger Lakes P-Tech BOCES, P-Tech Rochester, and the Western NY Tech Academy.

Applications for the WNY Tech Academy are currently being accepted for the 2017-2018 school year. Eighth-grade students and families interested in learning more should contact Principal Tom Schulte at 494-1220, ext. 3137 or through email at tschulte@wnytechacademy.org . The deadline for applications is February 27, 2017.

	Edison Reyes (l) and Javier Silva (r) from the Federal Reserve Bank of NY address the WNY Tech Academy’s aspiring videographers.

		

Submitted videos will be judged on four criteria:Accuracy, Uniqueness, Connection to the Audience, and Ability to Motivate.

Home of the Bees 13

STAR property tax relief

There have been some changes in how certain homeowners will apply for STAR and in how they receive their STAR benefit.You can find information about the STAR Program at https://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/property/star/ or contact your town assessor:

TOWN of BATAVIA	CLARENDON	RIGA Rhonda Saulsbury                      Cindi Davis                         Lori Frongetta
(585) 343-1729 ext. 207	(585) 638-6371 ext. 103	(585) 293-3880 ext. 126

BERGEN                                ELBA                              STAFFORD Rhonda Saulsbury                   Barry Flansburg                      Anne Sapienza
(585) 494-1484 ext. 1	(585) 757-2762 ext. 2	(585) 344-1554 ext. 6

BYRON                                LEROY                              SWEDEN Barry Flansburg                   Rhonda Saulsbury                  Darla Emmerson
(585) 548-7123 ext. 17	(585) 768-6910 ext. 221	(585) 637-8683

Looking for a fun working environment?

If so, Sports Boosters wants you!

We are currently looking for volunteers to work at the stadium and in the concession stand this fall. If you are a sports fan, have children currently attending school (or that have already graduated), and are looking for a way to participate in our community, this is a great opportunity. Byron-Bergen Sports Boosters works to promote and help fund the needs of all Byron-Bergen athletic programs.

Please contact Sports Boosters at bbschoolssportsboosters@gmail.com
if you are willing to volunteer your time.

Pesticide 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 of spraying for bees twice (in August) in the Byron-Bergen Central School District since the last notification was published in the 2016 District Calendar.

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.

SubStituteS Wanted

Do you have an interest in helping Byron-Bergen CSD in the capacity of substitute teacher, substitute teacher aide, substitute office aide, or food service worker?

If so, please visit the employment section of our website at www.bbschools.org and complete the non-instructional application (teacher aide, office aide, food service worker), or instructional application (substitute teacher). Please submit the application (via mail or in person) to: P. Gunio – District Office, Byron-Bergen CSD, 6917 West Bergen Road, Bergen, NY 14416.

14 Byron-Bergen Central School District

Fall 2016 Fire Prevention Day

October 14 was Fire Prevention Day at Byron-Bergen Elementary School, with the help of the many volunteers and first responders who take time out every year for our children.A big thank you to the members of the Bergen, Byron, and South Byron Fire Departments for all they do to keep us safe.

Home of the Bees 15

Superintendent Mickey Edwards

Board of Education Debra List, President

Yvonne Ace-Wagoner, Vice President

Kimberly Carlson William Forsyth Tammy Menzie Amy Phillips
JenniferVanValkenburg

Editor Gayla Starowitz

Graphic Designer Lisa Constantine

Byron-Bergen Central School District Bergen, NY 14416

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

w w w.bbschools.org

Board of Education Recognition Week October 24-28

Thank you to the Byron-Bergen Board of Education (l-r) Jenn VanValkenburg, Kimberly Carlson, Amy Phillips, Debi List (President),Yvonne Ace-Wagoner (Vice President),Tammy Menzie, and Bill Forsyth, for volunteering countless hours to the District’s students.The Board members are pictured at a recent soccer game working the concessions stand. If you have an opportunity, please share your appreciation for all they do.

16 Byron-Bergen Central School District