Superintendent of

Byron-Bergen Central School District

									

			

Fall 2017	w w w.bbschools.org

Superintendent’s Message

Dear Byron-Bergen Families,

Welcome back! The school year is well underway and the students and staff have hit the ground running. Each
Mickey Edwards
and every year we aim to encourage students to achieve their best in academics and extracurricular activities. This year is no different.Throughout the school year we will increase
Schools	our focus on nurturing the further growth of students. Students will be

encouraged to set goals for themselves and challenged to set the bar even higher.Whether it is taking an advanced placement course, trying a new instrument, or acting on their athletic pursuits, students should set new and higher goals for themselves. By providing students with a variety of opportunities to explore academic and extracurricular interests, Byron-Bergen Central School District will continue to develop intelligent, well-rounded students, ready for the future.

We have many exciting happenings in the district this year and I would like to take a moment to mention a few:

• Capital Improvement Project
Thank you to the community for supporting the Capital Improvement Project by a vote of 338 to 112.This project will allow us to continue to provide our students with a meaningful and safe educational experience, while maintaining facilities and program standards. Over the next three years, we will address maintenance and improvements in all of our facilities.The Elementary School will see the renovation and expansion of classrooms in the 200 wing,ADA-compliant toilet rooms, upgrades to kitchen equipment, window and roof
replacements, and bus loop/parent drop off area upgrades. The Jr./Sr. High School improvements will include roof

replacements, an upgraded fire alarm system, reconstructed tennis courts, improved lighting in the auditorium, and new ADA-compliant bleachers in the soccer stadium.
The Natatorium and Bus Garage will receive roof replacements, an upgraded bus washing system, and a new pool dehumidification system.

As we move forward with these projects, the district will keep people updated on our progress via the website, social media (Twitter and Facebook), and our publications. Thank you again for your support!

• Communication Improvements
As part of our ongoing efforts to be responsive to our parents and community, we as a district have continually looked for ways to engage in open and transparent communications—disseminating timely, accurate, and important information.We currently do this through publications, social media platforms, and a number of building-specific online programs. Most recently, the district has launched a new website at www.bbschools.org that contains pertinent information on a variety of topics. On the website, you will find a survey that will help us make the site even better.Your feedback is important
to us, so tell us what you like about the site and give us suggestions on what we can improve.

The way society communicates has changed drastically in the past decade. It’s a world of clicks, tweets, shares, and likes. But no matter which communication medium you favor, the act of communicating clearly and effectively is still vital.When communication is effective, the students, parents, and schools benefit. Effective communication makes learning easier for everyone, helps students achieve goals, increases opportunities for expanded learning, and strengthens the relationships between all stakeholders. Please partner with us as we continue to build this two-way street of effective communication.	continued on p. 2

Board President’s Corner.................................2 Board Recognition Week ................................3 Byron-Bergen Welcomes New Staff............6-7

Jr./Sr. High School Update.........................8 Elementary School News..............................12 Fire Prevention Day.................................. 13

Superintendent’s Message continued from p. 1

• Technology Initiative
We are excited about the direction instructional technology is moving in our district.As you may know, over the past few years we have continued our efforts to increase access to technology for all of our students. Thanks to multiple financial resources, including state and federal funding, and generous community partners,
we have moved forward towards our goal of one-to-one computing.We currently have class sets of Chromebooks in every classroom grades 3-6 and an additional 12 sets rolled out in the Jr./Sr. High School.As we continue with this initiative, we will also focus on developing and planning professional development opportunities for all staff.This professional development will focus on how
to implement the variety of tools the Google Apps for Education (GAFE) platform provides.

As always, on behalf of the Board of Education, we thank you for your continued support and invite you to join us on your student’s educational journey. Parental involvement is a significant factor for student success at school. Students look to the adults in their lives for structure and guidance.

Finally, please remember that our staff and administration are always ready to answer any questions or concerns you might have.Thank you again for your support in the education of our students. It is an honor and privilege to
serve this community as the Superintendent of Schools. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call me at (585) 494-1220 ext. 2829 or email me at medwards@bbschools.org.

2     Byron-Bergen Central School District

Fall 2017

The Many Hats worn by Transportation staff By Drew Doll,Transportation Coordinator

Every year we celebrate Bus Driver Appreciation Week by focusing on the many hats that our staff members wear every year when serving the Byron-Bergen Central School District.

Like teachers in their classrooms, our bus drivers’ classrooms are the school buses where we transport parents’ most precious cargo—their children. Connections are made with students who trust our drivers to get them to school not only safely but in a timely manner.They drive in all different types of weather, all while monitoring student behavior. Our bus driver is the trustworthy face children see first thing every morning as well as the last after a long day at school. Many
of our students will have the same bus driver for their entire education here.This helps build long-lasting friendships with students, allowing drivers to become strong role models and mentors.

In addition to getting students safely to and from school every day, our drivers also transport students to various field trips, sporting events, and extracurricular activities.The largest event of the year that we are asked to help with is the Elementary School Open House.This continues to be the biggest event in the community and we provide parking assistance to over 300 vehicles as they make their way to see the teachers and staff who provide such a great beginning to our young students. Byron-Bergen is very fortunate to have
drivers that demonstrate such dedication and compassion for their students.

During the year, our staff is involved in supporting many functions of the school, often as volunteers.You can find bus drivers working in the concession stands during soccer season and selling tickets at sporting events throughout the
year. During the holidays, our staff helps with organizing and delivering food baskets.

(l-r) Greg Humphrey, Joe MacConnell, Bob Wilkins, John Johnson, Chuck Bishop (front) Sue Quackenbush.

Board of Education Recognition Week October 23-27

Thank you to the Byron-Bergen Board of Education. Members volunteer countless hours to the district’s students. If you
have an opportunity, please share your appreciation for all they do.

(Front l-r) Yvonne Ace-Wagoner (Vice President), Debi List (President), Kimberly Carlson.

(Back l-r) Jenn VanValkenburg, Bill Forsyth,Amy Phillips,Tammy Menzie.

Home of the Bees	3

Welcome School Business Administrator Lori Prinz

Lori Prinz officially joined us last spring, but she was contributing to district business for many years. In her prior role as district treasurer at LeRoy CSD, she spent many hours here, auditing claims for payment.We’re happy to have her on the team full time now.

“In many ways, my job at B-B is similar to my old job,” she said.“I oversee financial records, payment of invoices, and tracking of data. But I have the added bonus of working directly with personnel in the office, Building and Grounds,Transportation, and Cafeteria departments. It feels great to share my knowledge and collaborate with others.”

“I am lucky to have such great co-workers,” she said.“They are dedicated and hardworking, yet they still find ways to make every day enjoyable.That just puts a smile on my face.”

Prinz has an associate degree in accounting from Alfred State, a bachelor’s degree in accounting from RIT, and is a licensed CPA. She recently attained her School Business Administration Certification with a master’s degree in education from The College at Brockport.

She grew up in a dairy farming family in Varysburg, NY, and enjoys life in a rural community.“I have had many people tell me they graduated from B-B and have returned to raise their kids here,” she said.“This school and community is small, and very close knit; everyone wants to be a part of that.”

Prinz has been a volunteer for the Stafford and Sheldon Fire Departments, and was the treasurer for the LeRoy PTSO for over 15 years. She and her husband have three children, two who are in college and the last, a senior at LeRoy HS.

Welcome Director of Facilities Roger Caldwell

Continually maintaining and improving the district’s campus, including both schools, all of our buildings, the grounds, roadways and parking lots, and many sports fields and facilities is a challenge. Our new Director of Facilities Roger Caldwell is happy to be heading the department that meets that challenge every day.

Caldwell is no stranger to Byron-Bergen.After achieving an associate degree in construction technology, he began his career right here in 1999, and was the district’s senior building maintenance mechanic until 2015. He left for a chance to head the facilities department at LeRoy Central School District, where he held the directorship until April 2017. It is great to welcome him back to B-B.

“Moving from working in the department to heading up the department brings exciting opportunities,” he said.“I look forward to working with some of the new members of the team, as well as those I’ve worked alongside in the past.”

He particularly enjoys the way the professionals in his group work together.“They have created a strong team atmosphere within the department,” he said.“Everyone is willing to help out. It makes this a great place to be.”

Outside of work, you’ll find Caldwell, his wife Teri, and their five children always busy with lots of family activities. “Anything outdoors,” he said.“Camping, hunting, fishing, farming. It’s all good.”

“I’m very happy to be back at Byron-Bergen,” he said.“I really like that this community has always been close-knit and very family-oriented.”

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
www.tax.ny.gov/pit/property/star/ or contact your town assessor:

TOWN of BATAVIA Rhonda Saulsbury (585) 343-1729 ext. 207

BERGEN Rhonda Saulsbury
(585) 494-1484 ext. 1

BYRON Barry Flansburg
(585) 548-7123 ext. 17

CLARENDON Cindi Davis
(585) 638-6371 ext. 103

ELBA Barry Flansburg
(585) 757-2762 ext. 2

LEROY Rhonda Saulsbury
(585) 768-6910 ext. 221

RIGA Lori Frongetta
(585) 293-3880 ext. 126

STAFFORD Anne Sapienza
(585) 344-1554 ext. 6

SWEDEN Tammy Baker (585) 637-8683

4     Byron-Bergen Central School District

		Fall 2017

	

		

		

		

Home of the Bees	5

Byron-Bergen Welcomes New Staff

New Byron-Bergen Bees (faculty and staff) enjoyed a picnic lunch together in late August: (l-r) Lorrie Mallaber, Morgan Midwick, Sahrah Saeli, Sara
MacKenzie, Ellie Swan, Jillian Stoessel, Dana Reeves, Marielle Follaco, Mike Conine,Amy Conine, Suzie Kuszlyk.

Michael Conine
Watch out for some exciting experiments at the High School this year. Our new chemistry teacher, Michael Conine, has been devoted to science since his own high school experience in Hornell, NY. He attended Oneonta State University, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and education.After receiving his master’s degree in chemistry, he taught high school chemistry for four years. Now he brings his love for science to Byron-Bergen schools.

“I love that the kids here are curious and ask a lot of questions,” he said.“They are also interested and respectful in class, which makes working with them really fun and rewarding for me.”

Life is not all about science for Conine, though.“Outside of school I spend most of my free time with my wife,” he said.“We enjoy cycling and running, and traveling to new places.” Amy Conine, by the way, also joins
us at the high school as a substitute mathematics teacher.We welcome them both.

Matt Ellis
The district is happy to have physical education teacher Matt Ellis join
our family of proud Bees. Ellis has a bachelor’s degree in physical education, kinesiology, and sport science.

Ellis is excited about the opportunity to teach older students at the high school. It’s quite a change from his last job teaching 3-year-olds in the Expanded PreK (EPK) Program at the Baden Street Child Development Center in Rochester.

“Byron-Bergen is a wonderful community,” he said.“The kids here are courteous, engaging, and very kind to one another.”

Outside of school, Ellis stays busy as a personal trainer in wrestling. He plays soccer at the Rochester Sports Garden. He also enjoys spending as much time as possible with his wife,Yazmin, and their daughter, Zaya.

Marielle Follaco
Our newest library media specialist, Marielle Follaco, works with students at both the Elementary School and the Jr./Sr. High School. She has already been impressed by the kids in all of her classes.“What I love the most is their willingness to learn!” she said.

Follaco achieved her certification for childhood education and special education (1-6) from The College at Brockport, and is currently working towards a master’s degree in library
media at St. John Fisher College. Prior to joining our district, her résumé included working as a teacher’s assistant, special education teacher, and substitute teacher.

“My family is most important to me,” she said.“I have great kids, Matthew (age 3) and Lucy (age 1). I love spending time with my husband and the two of them.”

Susan Kuszlyk
The welcoming face you will see when you enter District Office belongs to Susan Kuszlyk, senior clerk and district communication specialist. She grew up in the Bergen community and is a 2002 B-B
graduate, so being back in the district, for her, is like coming home again.

After graduation, Kuszlyk earned her Associate of Applied Science degree in criminal justice at Genesee Community College, and spent 10
years working with Bank of America. She enjoys the outdoors, playing soccer and spending time with her family.

She and her husband Steven live in Bergen with their two kids,Alexander (age 7), and Anastasia (age 5), who are both growing up as Bees.They attend the Elementary School.

“I’m excited that my children get to grow up in this small, close-knit community and experience all the wonderful opportunities and great programs this district has to offer,” Kuszlyk said.

Lorrie Mallaber
Experience and enthusiasm are the perfect qualities for a K-1 special

6     Byron-Bergen Central School District

Fall 2017

Byron-Bergen Welcomes New Staff

education teacher, and Lorie Mallaber brings both to her new position at
the Elementary School, teaching ELA, math and reading recovery. Her 17 years of experience include teaching at Wyoming Central Schools and Avon Central Schools.

Originally from Carthage, NY, Mallaber earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in special and
elementary education from SUNY Geneseo. She is certified for special education preK-12, elementary education preK-6, and reading recovery.

She and her husband, Matt, live in Geneseo now with their two children, Isabelle (age 10) and Benjamin (age 7). She is very active with many interests, including gardening, hiking, reading, singing, swimming, and cooking.

“I love what I do as a teacher,” she said.“The kids in my classes have so much energy and enthusiasm, it makes teaching fun and exciting every day.”

Sara MacKenzie
Ask our new seventh-grade math teacher about geocaching, and you’ll probably start a happy and lively conversation. It’s one of Sara
MacKenzie’s many hobbies, which also include reading, scrapbooking, and baking.“I really love to play soccer and basketball, too,” she said.

“I am happy to be a part of the team here at Byron-Bergen,” she said.“I like seeing how strong and positive the community is and the kids in my classes really support and help each other.”

MacKenzie, who is teaching math, pre-algebra, and AIS math, comes to us from Grand Island, NY, where she taught fifth-grade special education. Her undergraduate work in math and childhood/special education was completed at Le Moyne College. She

attained her master’s degree at the University of Buffalo, and is certified as a literacy specialist.

“My kids are so excited to learn,” she said.“Their enthusiasm and hard work really impress me.”

Sahrah Saeli
“The kids truly put a smile on my face every day,” said new second-grade
teacher Sarah Saeli.“I enjoy interacting with them and learning more about them. I love how excited they are about learning!”

We are happy to have Saeli back— she did her student teaching here at B-B, and was an Elementary School substitute, so she is already part of our Byron-Bergen family.

Saeli received her bachelor’s degree in inclusive childhood education at
Roberts Wesleyan College, and is New York State-certified in childhood education (1-6) and students with disabilities (1-6). Currently, she is studying for a master’s degree in literacy at The College at Brockport.

“Reading on a quiet day,” is one of Saeli’s favorite things to do, she
said. She doesn’t stay quiet for long, however.“I enjoy doing Zumba, taking hikes with my husband, and spending time with my family.”

Jillian Stoessel
As our special education consultant teacher for grades 5-6, Jillian Stoessel works with students with disabilities who are included in the general education classes, to make sure they are learning and succeeding.

She said,“The kids in my classes are very kind and polite.They are all unique and I love how their differences make us an exceptional class.”

Stoessel, who is from Elma, NY, graduated from Niagara University and taught in the Hilton and Greece CSDs before coming to Byron-Bergen. She is certified in childhood and special education.

“My family is very important to me,” she said,“so I spend a lot of time with them. I also enjoy reading and writing, and hope to be a novelist one day.”

Elizabeth Swan
“I am so excited to be at Byron-Bergen!” said kindergarten teacher Ellie Swan.“I love my kids’ amazing senses of humor and the way they want to participate in every activity. It is so much fun to help them in their first real year of school.”

Swan studied early childhood education, childhood education, and special education at Roberts Wesleyan College. She is currently in their Graduate Literacy Program. Before coming to B-B, she was a substitute teacher at Council Rock Elementary School in Brighton.

As for outside school activities, she said,“I love soccer! I played all four years at Roberts Wesleyan.” It will be great having her enthusiasm and support for our Bees this year.

A big welcome to additional new B-B staff members, substitutes, and long-term substitutes (LTS):

Amy Conine—Secondary Mathematics LTS
Miranda Goetz—Food Service Morgan Midwick—Elementary LTS Dana Reeves—Elementary LTS Jillian Stephenson—ESOL LTS

Home of the Bees	7

to school and

Jr./Sr. High School Update

The 2017-18 school year is underway and we are off to a great start. It’s hard to believe we are already so close to November. Students are settling in nicely

Principal
Patrick McGee	 classroom routines, and we look forward
to helping each student work towards peak performance.Through academics, extracurricular, and sports, our school pride has been on full display. It is
our goal to make sure that students feel connected to our school learning community.

I am excited to introduce a few new members to the Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School team. Sara MacKenzie will be our new seventh-
grade math teacher. Sarah brings with her a wealth of middle school math experience. She is an excellent addition to our math team. I am also excited to welcome Michael Conine to our team as our new chemistry teacher. Michael and his wife,Amy (who will be our long-term substitute for Rebecca Logan in eight-grade math for the first few months of the year), are relocating from North Carolina, where both taught
for four years at the high school level. Marielle Follacco will take over as our library media specialist for the district. We are looking forward to her skillset as we build a 21st-century library/media
space. Each of these educators will make significant contributions to our school.

I would like to recognize some members of our student learning community
for their outstanding academic accomplishments.At the beginning of our fall Pep Rally, we celebrated one new 100 Club member: Josh
Swapceinski. Josh received a 100 on his algebra regents exam this past June.We also recognized Adam Walter (calculus),

By Patrick McGee, Principal

Margaret Graney (U.S. history), and Celia Mercovich (English) for receiving 5s on their AP exams last year.We will feature the high academic achievements of our students throughout the year.

Music continues to be a highlight in our district. Eight of our B-B students were selected to sing in the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra’s Holiday Pops Chorus, under the baton of Maestro Jeff Tyzik. Congratulations to Sydney Brown, Stephanie Buell, Mason Fuller, Brian Ireland, Joshua Phelps, Jerome Spinks, Hannah VanSkiver, and Esther Wilkins. It has also been a pleasure to see our band perform at local sporting events, including soccer games, and the
beginning of a new tradition of teaming up with our football partner Caledonia-Mumford and performing at football games this fall.

This past summer, we started a Driver’s Education program based on feedback from our learning community. Both
of our summer and fall sessions were filled to the maximum capacity.We are excited that students have taken full advantage of this opportunity.We will continue to offer this in the fall, spring, and summer. Information for the spring 2018 session will be sent home soon to prospective students.

Good luck to all of our student athletes as they head into sectional play. Once again, each of our sports teams continue to thrive both in the classroom and through athletics. Many of our teams this fall have wrapped up Genesee Region league titles and will compete for sectional titles in the coming weeks. I continue to be so proud of our kids’ effort and dedication.

A big thank you to many of our stakeholders, including students, parents, and community members who have volunteered their time and effort into helping some important causes this

fall.These included collecting batteries and flashlights to help victims of the hurricane in Puerto Rico, raising awareness and money for cancer during our annual day of soccer, participating in walks to fight Alzheimer’s disease and assist in suicide prevention, and helping local churches scrub vegetables and potatoes to make meals for those in need.These are just a few of the many great causes that our learning
community will support throughout the school year.

We continue our work to strengthen strong communication between home and school—it is essential for students to reach their highest potential. In October, we introduced a new website at www.bbschools.org.We will also continue to have a strong social media presence highlighting accomplishments of our learning community and important calendar dates through Facebook and Twitter. We’ve also
just launched a “Weekly Happenings” newsletter highlighting the week in the Jr./Sr. High School.This will be emailed to all families on Friday afternoon each week through SchoolTool. It will also be posted on our Twitter feed. Parents can utilize our SchoolTool system to monitor their child’s attendance, grades, and assignments. If anyone has any questions regarding using SchoolTool, please contact Lorie Ellsworth at
(585) 494-1220 ext. 2004.

We are committed to academic excellence while fostering a culture of respect, responsibility, and positive
relationships. Please feel free to contact me anytime throughout the year by stopping in to see me, or via phone (585) 494-1220 ext. 2401, or email
(at pmcgee@bbschools.org). I am confident that by partnering together we can ensure the success of each student.We are Byron-Bergen!

8     Byron-Bergen Central School District

Fall 2017 Student Showcase

“Here Near and Far Ships”
Tempera paint on paper Artist: Ruth Kuipers, grade 2 Art Teacher: Mrs. Coniglio

“Rose Window” Color diffusing paper and marker
By: Dayanara Caballero, grade 7 Art Teacher:Mrs.Auer

“Color Theory Shapes” Media colored pencil on paper Artist: Christina Holley, grade 9 Art Teacher:
Mrs. Fritz

“Mixed Up Animal” Mixed media on paper Artist: Landon Kent, grade 5 Art Teacher: Mrs. Coniglio

“Color Theory Shapes” Media colored pencil on paper Artist: Carli Kirkwood, grade 9 Art Teacher: Mrs. Fritz

“Cat Sketch” Pencil
Artist: Frank Hersom, grade 7 Art Teacher:Mrs.Auer

Home of the Bees	9

College & career preparation By Rob Kaercher, Counselor

Sixteen years ago, I entered my senior year of high school with a feeling
of uncertainty.Where would I go to college? What career would I choose? How would I finance my education? Throughout my senior year, I learned something very important: with the right preparation, feelings of uncertainty begin to decrease. I shared these thoughts with our seniors as they started this school year. Many of them are in the same place that I was in 2002.The thought of leaving high school can be scary when you are trying your best to live in the moment.

For students who remain open to new experiences, uncertainty is replaced with opportunity.This fall, many students were given the opportunity to see beyond Byron-Bergen. Over 50 colleges and universities visited our College and Career Center and they were met by students who were eager and curious
to learn more about future career opportunities in all fields.

Our students are taking the initiative to visit campuses, speak to admissions representatives, and shadow potential careers. From this moment forward, they have the opportunity to propel themselves toward a future education and career path.Your children and our students are growing up fast; however,
they still need all of our encouragement, especially the undecided students. My favorite part of the job is learning more about each young person and helping them explore what’s beyond high school and Byron-Bergen.

Students touring the University of Rochester.

Students meeting with admission representative from Canisius College.

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 and Genesee County Civil Service 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.

(l-r) Justin Hannan and Madison Farnsworth outside of the College and Career Center.

10 Byron-Bergen Central School District

Fall 2017

Scholar Program
The Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School’s academic incentive program recognizes students for their good effort, attendance, and academics.This Scholar Program rewards students with Gold, Silver, Bronze,
and Special Recognition cards.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 2016-17 fourth quarter recipients (effective through Dec. 8, 2017):

Gold Scholar Caitlin Ashton Larissa Ashton Jared Barnum Nicholas Baubie Rachel Best Madison Burke Siomara Caballero Lydia Campbell Caleb Carlson Benjamin Chaback Emily Chaback Sadie Cook Alexander Dean Richard Denson

Adam Drake Joshua Fleming Kyle Foeller Sara Fraser
Matthew Gonyea Emma Goodman Sara Goodman Margaret Graney Angelique Heick Tyler Henry Annaliese Hersom Hope Hersom Rick Hubbard Grace Huhn Brooke Jarkiewicz

Daniel Jensen William Johnson Brendon Kendall Cambria Kinkelaar Melanie Kulikowski Jillian Menzie Madelynn Pimm MacKenzie Rosse Elli Schelemanow Chloe Shuskey Deacon Smith Alayna Streeter Sarah Streeter
Ella VanValkenburg

Corden Zimmerman Nathan Zwerka

Silver Scholar Sarah Bleiler Bianca Brumsted Caleb Calhoun Leanna Curts Brionna DeMichel Connor Gale Eden Goff Julia Menzie Joshua Phelps
Alaura Rehwaldt Garrett Sando

Brandon Stefanski Jorie Strzelecki Dana VanValkenburg

Bronze Scholar Cole Carlson Kelsey Fuller Chad Green Ethan Green
Melissa MacCowan Erin Parnapy Miriam Tardy

News from the WNY Tech Academy By Tom Schulte, Principal

The start of the 2017-18 school year represents a milestone year for the WNY Tech Academy.While we are a six-year program, we officially enroll students from around our region in grades 9-12.As with every year prior, this year is filled with a number of new elements to our program. New ninth-grade students, new rooms, new staff, and new courses.We’re very happy to welcome 24 new students to our program from 10 different school districts within the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership.Adding these new members to our team brings our enrollment to over 70 students, representing 13 different school districts from our region. I cannot express my gratitude enough to the Byron-Bergen Central School District for supporting the growth of our program over the last four years.There is no question in my mind that without the district and community support we’ve received, the WNY Tech Academy would not be in the position it is today.

In addition to our growing student body, I am also excited that we’ve been able to build on our instructional team.We welcome Lindsay Warner to our team this year, as our work-based learning coordinator and business teacher. Mrs.Warner comes to us from Notre Dame High School where she was continuously recognized for her outstanding work with students. In addition to teaching our Principles of Business

course, Mrs.Warner will also be working with our business partners to create job shadow opportunities for our students, as well as lay the groundwork for our internship program.

We also continue to deepen our partnership with Genesee Community College. Upon the completion of this year, our current seniors will have earned nearly 27 college credits directly connected to a specific degree pathway.With that, we’re excited to welcome Ryan Repich to our team this year as an adjunct who will be covering our Supply Chain Management courses, and to have Greg Sharpe return this year to cover our Food Processing Technology courses. Both men bring a wealth of industry-specific knowledge to our courses that will no doubt benefit our students.

There are a number of wonderful things going on at the WNY Tech Academy, and I look forward to highlighting some of them in future editions of Focal Point. If you’re an eighth-grader or a parent/guardian of an eighth-grade student and are interested in learning more about what the WNY Tech Academy has to offer, please feel free to reach
out to me directly, or to your student’s counselor in Byron-Bergen. I can be reached directly at (585) 494-1220 ext. 3137, or by email at tschulte@wnytechacademy.org.

Home of the Bees 11

Elementary School News By Brian Meister, Principal

The opening weeks of school have brought smiling faces and lots of excitement to Byron-Bergen Elementary.After a somewhat cool and wet summer, we were greeted by a heat wave with temperatures climbing into the high eighties. It made things a bit sticky, but allowed for some very popular
playground time. It is always great to see kids having fun after a hard day’s work.

This year, we are pleased to announce that each classroom in grades K-2 will be equipped with six Google Chromebooks. These small tablet-type devices are touch screen, but also have a keyboard attached for students to use for typing.
Our teachers have received training and will be using these devices to support learning, using various online programs such as iReady, IXL, and RAZ Kids. Chromebooks at the
K-2 level are an ideal way to provide students with engaging learning activities while the teacher is delivering small group instruction such as reading groups.

Our grade 3-6 classrooms will each have full class sets of Chromebooks allowing for one-to-one access for all
students simultaneously. By third grade, students are much more proficient with technology and are able to use the Chromebooks in more sophisticated ways to bolster learning.

Once again, training for teachers has been ongoing to ensure we are working toward maximizing the effectiveness
of these tools. Going one-
teachers will be
to-one, our	Deputy Butler speaks at the year’s first able to engage	Character Education Assembly.
students in interactive paperless assignments where they are able to interact with one another using programs such as Google Classroom.

Our Character Education Team has been hard at work preparing for this school year. Our theme for this year is “Be Your Best Self.”Throughout the year, the students will be taught and challenged to be their very best in all that they do.What I find most striking about this core value is that it recognizes and validates individual differences and focuses on maximizing potential through actions and words.We kicked things off with a high energy assembly program, where students enjoyed seeing and hearing what the theme meant to our faculty and staff when we were all much younger.As we look forward to October, it will be the students’ turn to show the best version of themselves in all that they do.

It is my distinct honor to partner with you to provide the children of Byron-Bergen with the finest school experience. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at bmeister@bbschools.org or (585) 494-1220.
Third-grade students work on Chromebooks.

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 that there have been no applications made since the last notification was published in the 2017-18 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.

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Fall 2017

Fire Prevention Day

Thank you to all the volunteers and first responders who visited in October for Fire Prevention Day.As you do every year, you generously gave your time and shared your expertise to help our kids learn how to prevent fires and stay safe.

Home of the Bees 13

Teen Police Academy By Deputy Matt Butler, School Resource Officer

For the past eight months, I have been working to create a Teen Police Academy program, which I hope will be a great opportunity for our area high school students. I am happy to announce that this project has been approved by Sheriff William Sheron. The new Teen Police Academy is
also supported by the Byron-Bergen Central School District.Together with the Sheriff’s Office, we will be hosting the first Teen Police Academy in the summer of 2018.

Teen Police Academy is a week-long police academy for deserving local students, to show them what a law enforcement academy entails and the different aspects of the agency.This program is designed to give students instruction on various law enforcement

topics and physical fitness, along with hands-on experience of today’s policing methods.The academy is meant to be an interactive approach to learning.

“This opens up unique possibilities for area

students to explore the

world of policing and see

first-hand what it takes to become a police officer.”

We are looking for students who are going into grades 10-12, are in good physical condition and good academic standing with few or no disciplinary

problems, and who have a positive attitude. Qualified students must also complete an interview with a sheriff’s deputy.

This opens up unique possibilities for area students to explore the world of policing and see first-hand what it takes to become a police officer. In addition to the one week academy, students will be given the chance to participate in a ride-along with actual road patrol deputies.This will be an opportunity for law enforcement and the community to form a positive relationship and together, help our students grow. I look forward to implementing this program and challenging the students of Genesee County.

A message from our new Prevention Educator We welcome Gina Henry, our new Prevention Educator from	particularly students, from experiencing the harmful physical, Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse	social, and psychological consequences of drug and alcohol (GCASA):	abuse. Our programs encourage and motivate students with

knowledge, communication skills, and community resources Our mission at GCASA is to improve community health,	to keep them healthy and reduce the risk factors associated reduce stigma towards people with addictions, and work	with substance abuse.
across systems for positive community change. GCASA’s
services include prevention, treatment, residential services, and	As a Prevention Educator, I will be in the Byron-Bergen an employee assistance program.	school district providing evidence-based programming,
education, and resources to help students in their careers. In prevention, we empower individuals to develop healthy	I will provide one-on-one student screening, and referral behaviors. Our prevention program uses research based	services (SSRS) for students who have used drugs and/or
classroom and environmental approaches to effect community	alcohol. I am available to all teachers to provide presentations change.We seek to educate young people about the dangers	and introduce peace circles to classrooms. I can also provide posed by drugs and alcohol, and change behaviors that may	other programming such as: Media Literacy, SPORT, Project lead to their abuse.We provide substance abuse prevention	Sticker Shock,Too Good for Drugs/Violence, Red Watch and educational programs that help to prevent individuals,	Band, and Teen Intervene. Please contact me at (585) 815-
1871 or email at ghenry@gcasa.org “Our mission at GCASA is to improve community health, reduce stigma

towards people with addictions, and work across systems for positive

community change. GCASA’s services include prevention, treatment, residential services, and an employee assistance program.”

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Fall 2017

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
Jennifer VanValkenburg

Editor Susan Kuszlyk

COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST Chris Klem

Graphic Designer Karen Slayton

w w w.bbschools.org

Byron-Bergen Central School District Bergen, NY 14416

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

District
launches new website for
B-B schools

We’re happy to announce that the new Byron-Bergen Central Schools website is up and running at www.bbschools.org. Our community asked for a site that was mobile-friendly, easier to navigate and search, with dynamic social media, colorful pictures, quick links to popular areas, and news.We think that you will find all of that and more on the new site.

We need your feedback and ideas to continually improve site function and ease of use. Check the new site out and tell us what you think.Take the online survey at www.bbschools.org/WebsiteSurvey.aspx

16 Byron-Bergen Central School District