Sara Goodman
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Focal PBYRON-BERGEN CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT Graduation 2021

Congratulations To The Class of 2021 Congratulations to this year’s Class of 2021 Top Ten students: Valedictorian Hope Hersom, Salutatorian Sara Goodman

Richard Denson, Kelly Ireland, Colby Leggo, Skylar Sharpe, Alaura Rehwaldt, Carli Kirkwood, Nicholas Baubie, Andrew Parnapy.

Hope Hersom is a member of the National Honor Society, Math League, the Section V Student Athletic Advisory Committee, and Student Council where she currently serves as president. She
has participated in varsity soccer, basketball, cheerleading, and track and field. This year she was captain of her soccer, basketball, track, and Math League team. Through athletics, she has received Genesee Region All-Star for soccer and
track, Scholar-Athlete for all sports, the Stephanie Hope Hersom	Lynn Tooly Cheerleading Scholarship, and the
Valedictorian	Section V Fall Sports Scholarship. Additionally, this year she scored the 5th highest in the North Genesee Region division for Math League, which qualified her for the state competition. Hope has been a member of Singing Silhouettes since sophomore year and has participated in the RPO Gala Holiday Pops High School Chorale for 2 years. Hope has received the High School Science Department Award, and the University of Rochester Bausch and Lomb Honorary Science Award. She has also been on the High Honor Roll since 7th grade. Hope is the daughter of Cheryl and Walter Hersom and plans to attend Columbia University in the fall to pursue mechanical engineering.

Sara Goodman is a member of the National Honor Society, Marching Band, and Math League, and has been Student Council treasurer for four years. Sara is also a five-year Spanish student and a former member of the Spanish Club. She has pursued proficiency in playing clarinet from her first note in 4th grade, to the honored seat as First Chair Clarinet her senior year. She’s participated in Jazz Band and 3 years of All-County Band and Solofest.
Community is a significant focus for Sara and Salutatorian	she’s thrilled to be a recipient of the 2021 Byron

Kiwanis Annual Scholarship. Since 5th grade, Sara has been dual-enrolled in both BBCSD and GCC’s ACE Program. She continues to accumulate college credit through the Genesee Valley BOCES Health Careers Program and was honored as Student of the Month among her peers. Sara also received the “Computing Medal Award” from RIT. She is thankful for her cherished friend Alaura Rehwaldt, who made her high school years indelible. She is the proud daughter of Steve and Jeanne Goodman, and sister of Emma Goodman. Having been awarded the Trustee Scholarship from Roberts Wesleyan College, Sara plans to major in Nursing with a minor in Global Studies.

Top 10 Class of 2O21

Richard Denson is delighted to have finished in the top ten of his graduating class. He recently completed the ACE Program offered by Genesee Community College, which he started in 7th grade, and has earned an Associate’s Degree in Natural Science as a high school senior. Richard plans on attending the University at Buffalo in pursuit of a degree in Civil Engineering.
Richard would like to thank his friends and family for all of their support and thank all of his teachers at Byron-Bergen, who have done an excellent job nurturing him and bestowing him with the know-how and drive to become successful.

Kelly Irelandis a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, and the Class of 2021 secretary. She has participated in varsity volleyball and varsity softball. She has received an All-Star Award and Player of the Week for varsity volleyball. Kelly has played the flute for 5 years in the school band, which allowed her to march in parades,
play pep music during sporting events, and perform for the community during the Buzzin’ Bistro. Kelly has been an active member of the Singing Silhouettes, a select choir, for 3 consecutive years. Kelly has also been a member of Young Life, a youth group, which allowed her to travel to El Salvador for a mission
trip 2 years in a row. Kelly loves to help and participate in her community. She has been able to participate in her community through the Bergen Fire
Department, which she has been active in since 8th grade. She is the recipient of the Principal’s Award, the Coaches Award from her softball coach, the Most Respected Player from her volleyball team, and many others. Kelly plans to attend SUNY Brockport to major in Spanish Inclusive Education.

Colby Leggo is a member of Byron-Bergen’s National Honor Society, the Math League team, the Spanish Club, and vice president for the class of 2021. Throughout his time at Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School, Colby participated in cross country and on the tennis team. Colby will also
be graduating from Genesee Community College in late May with an associate’s degree. Colby has also received an Academic Varsity Letter and a Varsity Pin. He is very excited to start a new chapter of his life by attending Clarkson University in the Fall to study Electrical Engineering. He would like to thank his teachers and all of his friends he has met along the way for helping to shape him into who he has become.

Skylar Sharpehas participated in the Yearbook Club, the Strategic Games Club, the Musical, and the Art Club over the past few years. She has been assisting her art instructor with displaying all of the students’ artworks for the last 2 years. Her artwork was chosen to be showcased at the RIT art gallery, and she got first place in the Stop DWI poster
contest. She has been on the High Honor Roll her whole high school career. She has been nominated for the Student of the Quarter Award many times and finally received it in her senior year. Skylar is a member of the Brockport Free Methodist Youth group where she participates in games, volleyball, and assists the leaders with set-up. Skylar is the daughter of Steven and Danielle Sharpe and plans to attend Roberts Wesleyan for Art Education.

Alaura Rehwaldtis a member of the National Honor Society. She participates in cross country, swimming, track, and volleyball and has received swimmer of the week during the swim season. She has been an All-Star in swimming for 5 years and an All-Star in cross country for 2.

Alaura has been participating in band as a trumpet player for 9 years and played the french horn for 1 year. Alaura has been a part of the Genesee County Youth Leadership program and has taken part in community activities with the group. Alaura has received the Academic Varsity Pin every year from 8th grade to 12th grade. She has also received the Principal’s Award and the Clarkson Award. Alaura is the daughter of Melinda and Bret Rehwaldt and plans to attend Genesee Community College with an undecided major.

Carli Kirkwood is a member of the National Honor Society and was also a member of the National Junior Honor Society. She has participated in varsity track and field
for 6 years, varsity gymnastics for 4 years, and varsity cheerleading for 3 years. Within those sports, she has been a captain for both the cheerleading and track and
field teams and has received Scholar-Athlete, Genesee Region All-Star, Track MVP, Cheerleading MVP, Cheerleading Most Respected, Gymnastics Most Improved, Gymnastics MVP, and the Section V Gymnastics Coaches Award. She has also had the opportunity to compete in the NYSPHSAA state tournaments for both track and field, and gymnastics. Carli has been on the high honor roll since 7th grade and has taken multiple AP and honors classes. She was also the recipient of the 2020 RIT Innovation and Creativity Award. Carli is the daughter of Christin Kirkwood-Thompson and John Kirkwood, the step-daughter of Paul Thompson, and plans to attend the University of Tampa to major in International Business and Economics.

Nicholas Baubiehas been a member of the National Honor Society throughout high school. He is a scholar-athlete and he participates in soccer, basketball, baseball, golf and was recognized as a Genesee Region All-Star
in soccer for 2 years and received Honorable Mention in basketball for 2 years as well. Nick has also been
a member of the high school Clay Target Team for 4 years where he has received a high average for the team. Nick is currently an active member of the Bergen Rod and Gun Club where he expresses his passion for trap shooting competing in leagues that take place year-round. Nick has been a part of his community where he has participated in food drives and cancer
fundraisers with his sports teams. Nick also volunteered as a summer camp counselor at the Gillam Grant Community Center. Nick is the recipient of the Physical Education Award, the Principal’s Award, was nominated for Boy’s State, and received the University of Rochester’s George Eastman
Young Leaders Award. Nick is the son of Mark and Carrie Baubie and will be attending the University at Buffalo’s School of Engineering.

t
Andrew Parnapyhas been a part of Singing Silhouettes, BB track and field, varsity football, and band. In band, he has played the trombone since 4h grade and has been an active silhouette member since 10th grade. In 9th grade, he joined the Bergen Fire Explorers and then continued as a
restricted member until 12th grade. He loved assisting the fire department in community events like Halloween candy handout, Bergen park days, and fire safety week at the Elementary School. He received the Wells College 21st Century Leadership Award, the University of Rochester: Xerox Award, and the Alfred University Scholar Award. Andrew is the son of Pamela and Mary Comerford and Jeff Parnapy. Andrew will be attending Alfred University to study biochemistry.

2 Byron Bergen Focal Point

Congratulations To The Class of 2021

Jerrod Amesbury

SUNY Genesee Community College Business Administration

Nicholas Baubie SUNY University at Buffalo
Engineering

Alden Belknap

SUNY Genesee Community College Criminal Justice

Victoria Bowman Exploring interests in art and the medical field

Bianca Brumsted Chatham University Criminology and Psychology

Carleigh Buell

SUNY North Country Community College + Paul Smith’s College Wilderness Recreational Leadership

Hallie Calhoun Career in Construction Trades

Benjamin Capostagno Entering the Workforce

Zoey Chambry College of Mount Saint Vincent
Psychology

Jonah Clare Rochester Institute of Technology
Engineering

Jayden Doyle United States Army
SUNY Genesee Community College National Guard College Natural Sciences

Veronica Duell

St. John Fisher College Biology and Pre-Dentistry

Joshua Fleming Grove City College Environmental Science

Eden Goff

SUNY Monroe Community College Criminal Justice

Matthew Gonyea St. John Fisher College
Biochemistry

Mitchell Gonyea

SUNY Genesee Community College Natural Sciences

Sara Goodman Roberts Wesleyan College
Nursing

Adriana Guzman

SUNY Genesee Community College Event Planning

Krystal Hagen

SUNY Genesee Community College Business Administration

Jonathan Hahn Career in Welding

Trebor Johnston Western Star
Technician Apprenticeship

Carli Kirkwood University of Tampa
International Business and Economics

Elizabeth Klafehn Career in Cosmetology

Courtney Klapp Continental Beauty School Esthetician Program

Aiden Kulikowski

SUNY Genesee Community College General Studies

Samantha Leach Genesee Valley BOCES
Licensed Practical Nurse Program

Colby Leggo Clarkson University Electrical Engineering

Gavin Lewis Flagler College
Sociology and Psychology

Logan Lewis

SUNY Monroe Community College Culinary Arts

Lilly Liles Genesee Valley BOCES
Culinary Arts and Graphic Design

Andrew Parnapy Alfred University Biochemistry and Environmental Sciences

Jaden Pocock

HVAC Apprenticeship at Turnbull

Bryanne Puma

SUNY Genesee Community College + SUNYThe College at Brockport Early Childhood Education

Matthew Rada

SUNY Genesee Community College Computer Information Systems

Alaura Rehwaldt (Ray - Walt) SUNY Genesee Community College General Studies

Tanner Savage Enter the Workforce

Julia Schlenker-Stephens SUNY Genesee Community College
General Studies

Seth Sharp

United States Marines Corps Infantry

Skylar Sharpe Roberts Wesleyan College
Art Education

Mason Singer
SUNY Genesee Community College General Studies

Tylor Coats Career in Graphic Arts

Joseph Damick Entering the Workforce

Richard Denson SUNY University at Buffalo
Civil Engineering

Jay Doyle Skidmore College English Education

Isaiah Merrell
Devon Heick	SUNY Buffalo State College	Deacon Smith Western New York Technical Academy             Hospitality Management                            SUNY Fredonia
and SUNY Genesee Community College	Liberal Arts Food Processing Technology                       Zechariah Merrell
SUNY Oneonta	Zoe Solis
Hope Hersom	Physics and Astronomy	SUNY Niagara County Community College Columbia University                                                                                Animal Management
Mechanical Engineering	Julia Pangrazio
SUNY Finger Lakes Community College	Nicole Stone
Kelly Ireland	Nursing	SUNY Genesee Community College + SUNYThe College at Brockport                                                                           SUNY Fredonia
Spanish Inclusive Education	Early Childhood Education

Graduation 2021 3

“
Congratulations To The Class of 2021

Sarah Sue Streeter SUNYAlfred State College Culinary Arts Baking

Amanda Stutzman

SUNY Genesee Community College Business Administration

Joshua Swapceinski Rochester Institute of Technology Physics and Astronomy

Dakota Taylor

SUNY Genesee Community College Business Administration

Xavier Thomas SUNYThe College at Brockport
International Business

Gianni Vallese
SUNY Genesee Community College Criminal Justice

Morgan Vincent SUNYThe College at Brockport
General Studies

Devon Zinter

SUNY Monroe Community College Toyota T10 Automotive Apprenticeship Program

Matthew Zwerka Entering the Workforce

Newsfrom the Board Congratulations to our graduating seniors, Class of 2021!!!!

Whether you are entering a trade, pursuing higher education, going into the world of work, or joining the ranks of the military, we here at Byron-Bergen wish you the very best as the next steps of your journey quickly approaches.

I would like to thank the community for coming to the polls on May 18th supporting the school budget and bus proposition. Your continued support for our schools
is so critical in helping to give our students the best education and opportunities possible, from UPK to our seniors.

To all of our families, and school faculty and staff -- I’m happy to say that we can see the other side of COVID! Everyone did the very best they could to help our kids through given the circumstances and guidelines that we had to follow. We are all looking forward to being in person, all day, every day come the start of the 2021-2022 school year. Now that is something to look forward to.

There are a lot of things that we tend to take for granted, like hearing the bands play, the chorus singing, the referee’s whistles, children playing outside and what a loss it was when it went away. It was wonderful to have our athletes back out on the playing fields and in the gyms again. Having the events of “normal” life come back is something to be treasured, valued and hopefully never taken for granted.

Be well and stay healthy,
Congratulations to our

Debi List	graduating seniors, Class of 2021!!!!

Debra List, President Board of Education

Superintendent’s Message

Dear Byron-Bergen community members,

I have enjoyed getting to know this community during my time as Interim Superintendent at Byron-Bergen. It is clearly a special place with close-knit ties and local pride. Despite the tough circumstances that the pandemic has brought about, I will always look back on my time here with a smile.

I would like to take a moment to congratulate the Class of 2021 and all of our students. They have persevered through a year with many ups and downs and come out stronger. I would also like to commend the faculty and staff for their flexibility and ingenuity. The professionals in this District stand out as some of the most dedicated educators I’ve ever teamed up with.

In closing, thank you for welcoming me into your community and it is with great confidence that I transition the District leadership into the very capable hands of Mr. Patrick McGee.

Sincerely,

Scott Bischoping

Scott Bischoping
Byron-Bergen Interim Superintendent

4 Byron Bergen Focal Point

H E L P WANTED

Do you have an interest in

helping Byron-Bergen Central School District in the capacity of a

• Substitute Bus Driver - we will train! • Substitute Cleaner
• Substitute Food Service Worker • Substitute Teacher
• Substitute Teacher Aide

If so, please visit the Employment section of our website at www.bbschools.org (District tab -> Employment):

• For Substitute Teacher, visit our on-line web recruitment page at https://bbschools.recruitfront.com click the “Register” button at the bottom left, and register to become a new user and create your application for submission.

• For Substitute Bus Driver, Substitute Cleaner, Substitute Food Service Worker, and Substitute Teacher Aide please download and complete the Genesee County Civil Service Application located on the Employment section of our webpage and submit the application with letter of interest (and resume, if available) via email (pgunio@bbschools.org), fax (585-494-2613), or mail/deliver in person to: P. Gunio – District Office, Byron-Bergen CSD, 6917
West Bergen Road, Bergen, NY 14416.

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. The Following pesticide applications are not subject to prior notification requirements:

• A school remains unoccupied for a continuous 72-hours following an application;

• Anti-microbial products;

• Nonvolatile rodenticides in tamper resistant bait stations in areas inaccessible to children;

• Silica gels and other nonvolatile ready-to-eat pastes, forms, or gels in areas inaccessible to children;

• Boric acid and disodium octaborate tetrahydrate; • The application of EPA designated biopesticides;
• The application of EPA designated exempt materials under 40CFR.25;
• The use of aerosol products with a directed spray in containers of 18 fluid ounces or less when used to protect individuals.

In the event that an emergency application is necessary to protect against an imminent threat to human health, a good faith effort will be made to supply written notification to those on the 48-hour prior notification list. 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.

ALL KIDS EAT FREE!

No paperwork necessary, Must be 18 or under for free meals

Byron-Bergen High School Bus Loop

Tuesdays and Thursdays, July 13th – Aug 19th, 2021 • 10:30-11:45 pm

Students or parents will be able to pick-up breakfast & lunch in one bag. Please call 494-1220 ext. 1015 for more info.

For more information visit the District website.

Graduation 2021 5

National Honor Society

The Byron-Bergen chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS) recently welcomed 35 new students to their distinguished company.

2021 Inductees to the Byron-Bergen National Honor Society:
Cassidy Ball, Jason Bleiler, David Brumsted, Madison Burke, Dayanara Caballero, Caleb Calhoun, Caleb Carlson, Cameron Carlson, Kendan Dressler, Makenzie Eccleston, Joshua Fleming, Frank Hersom, Grace Huhn, Brooke Jarkiewicz, Ryan Muscarella, Valerie Pastore, Kendall Phillips, Madelynn Pimm, Elizabeth Piper, Austin Salmonds, Brianna Salmonds, Emily Salmonds, Elli Schelemanow, Sasha Schramm, Grace Shepard, Zoey Shepard, Alayna Streeter, Matthew Tanner, Ella VanValkenburg, Alexandra Vurraro, Ava Wagoner, Lillian Walker, Leyna Wheeler, Hannah Wies, Corden Zimmerman.

Current Members of the Byron-Bergen National Honor Society:
Nicholas Baubie, Veronica, Duell, Eden Goff, Sara Goodman, Hope Hersom, Kelly Ireland, Carli Kirkwood, Colby Leggo, Andrew Parnapy, Bryanne Puma, Alaura Rehwaldt, Deacon
Smith, Sarah Sue Streeter.	Byron-Bergen’s 2021 National Honor Society.

The Byron-Bergen chapter of the National Junior Honor Society (NHS) recently welcomed 43 new students to their distinguished company.

2021 Inductees to the Byron-Bergen National Junior Honor Society:
Ryan Benstead, Jake Carlson, Deborah Catalino, Kendall Chase, Noah Clare, Abigail Cook, Amber Cromey, Isabella Davidson, Craig DiQuattro, Lea Donofrio, Jack Farner, Sophia Frongetta, Haylee Gartz, Payton Goodenbery, Ava Gray, Rachel Hanel, Samuel Hersom, Landon Kent, Eli Kupfer, Ella Lewis, Jackson Lundfelt, Martin Mac Connell, Anna McLaughlin, Meghan Muscarella, Kasey Pagels, Adam Piper, Natalie Prinzi, Ian Pulcini, Ashley Schlenker-Stephens, Olivia Senf, Roman Smith, James Starowitz, Rose Wilson, Mikayla Yohon, Carlee Barons, Grayson Erion, Mackenzie Hagen, Travis Shallenberger, Malachi Smith, Megan Zwerka, Jason Bleiler, Haydin Perez, Joshua Tardy.

Current Members of the Byron-Bergen National Junior Honor Society:
Brody Baubie, Trevor Beale, Braedyn Chambry, Tyler Chapman, Gabby Graff, Hendrik Haymon, Makala Hoopengarden, Callista Kinkelaar, Hannah Loewke, Colin Martin, Stephanie Onderdonk, Carter Prinzi, Victoria Rogoyski, Lydia Zaffran.

Congtatulations Retirees

Barb Hogan has worked at Byron-Bergen for over 2 decades, first as a substitute aide and then full-time as an Office Clerk Typist, Senior Clerk, and Secretary. She has worked in the Elementary School and High School Offices and, most recently, as the Secretary for Counseling and Athletics.

While she liked working in a smaller district, she is looking forward to having more down time and spending more time with her family.

After 20 years as a Teacher Aide, Deborah Best is retiring. Her favorite thing about Byron-Bergen is the wonderful people and the life-long friends she has made. She was the Tonawanda Valley Federal Credit Union liaison for the Elementary School for several years, has greeted students at the back door each morning, and been a member of the afternoon dismissal team.

“I will certainly miss working with the kids. Watching the little ones write their name for the first time, reading a book for the first time, and the excitement every day over what they are learning is such a wonderful experience.”

She would like to thank Miss Hustleby, Mr. Biondolillo, and all of the amazing teachers that she has worked with over the years. “Most of all, thank you to the Teacher Aides. You are all wonderful friends and you all do an amazing job. I love you all and will miss you.”

In retirement, she plans to spend more time with her family, especially

her 2 daughters and 4 granddaughters. She also hopes to travel with her husband of 41 years, Mike, and spend lots of time with her friends.

“Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of this amazing school family.”

After 20 years of driving a Byron-Bergen school bus, Andrea Golino is retiring. Known for her Friday dance parties and enthusiastic attitude, she has been a staple of the Transportation Department for 2 decades.

“I will miss my wonderful students, their supportive families, my coworkers, and, of course, dance party Friday! I would like to thank the many parents in our
district that shared their precious children with me over the past 20 years. It’s been a blessing and joy to have each and every one of them!”

In retirement, she plans to spend more time with my family, friends and especially her 6 grandchildren.

Cynthia McGowan has been a Teacher’s Aide for 24 years. She worked in the Jr./Sr. High School for 14 years, and 10 years in the Elementary School. She will miss the students and all her coworkers. “Most of all, I will miss Michelle Matteson. For 10 years I was an aide in her class. She was my work daughter.” In retirement, she plans to spend more time at camp, and to travel with her husband.
She has 3 grown children, 2 daughters-in-laws and one son in-law to be. She also has 3 granddaughters and 1 grandson.

6 Byron Bergen Focal Point

Congtatulations Retirees

After a decade as a cleaner at Byron-Bergen, Ed McMahon is retiring. His favorite thing about
working at Byron-Bergen was how the whole team pulled together to get things done. He would like to thank Mike List for hiring him. In retirement, he plans to relax, do some fishing, and travel.

Neil Antinore has been a Cleaner at Byron-Bergen Central School District for 23 years. Although he has no set plans for how he will spend his retirement, he will miss the people and students. He would like to thank the District.

Sandy Johnson has been a cleaner at Byron-Bergen Schools since 1979. After more than 4 decades, she is retiring as one of the most senior staff members in the District. The District would like to thank her for her many years of service and congratulate her on
her retirement.

Donny Myers has been with Byron-Bergen for 36 years. He started out as a Cleaner and is now a Custodian. His favorite thing about the job is working with everyone in both the Elementary and High Schools. He would like to thank the students and staff at both schools.

In retirement, he plans to spend time with his 2 daughters and family. Although he will come back and
sub part-time, he will also be spending time in Florida, relaxing.

After almost a decade with Byron-Bergen, School Nurse Colette Dodson, RN, is retiring.

“My favorite thing about Byron-Bergen is the community. We have amazing administration, faculty, staff, parents, and of course students.”

In retirement, Dodson plans to remain active, which will include subbing and spending time with her family. She
also plans to travel and fulfill her dreams of visiting Hawaii and Scotland.

“I would like to thank the entire Byron-Bergen community for welcoming me, trusting their precious children to my care, and making my time here so special. It truly has been an honor to serve our community.”

Dodson and her husband, Chuck, have five children and 3 grandchildren, 2 dogs and 2 cats. “I am looking forward to spending time with my family and friends as I begin this new adventure.”

Jr./Sr. High School Happenings By: Patrick McGee, Principal

Thank you to all of our students and families for doing the best they can during these unprecedented times. Please know how much I appreciate your tremendous support, flexibility, and understanding during this time. As always, our teachers and staff have been doing the best they can to help support you. Thank you for reciprocating this and doing the best
you can. The last year and a half have been by no means a perfect situation and I just appreciate everyone making the best out of the circumstances we
were given. It truly is a privilege to work in such a special place.

I would be remiss if I didn’t highlight the Class of 2021. Through all of their accomplishments in and out of the classroom, I want to highlight that 35 of our 59 students graduating have an 85 or higher cumulative average. We have students attending major colleges across the United States including the Ivy League and other highly esteemed universities, students enlisting

in the military, students going right to accredited trades programs, and students beginning their post high school experience in other areas. I could go on and on about how proud I am of this class, but I am most proud of the people they have become. They are kind, compassionate, resilient, and overall just a wonderful group of human beings.

One of the most fulfilling parts of my job is watching our seniors graduate. Over the last month we get to share many great moments with our seniors such as the Prom, our senior trip to Peak n’ Peek, senior breakfast,
our annual senior walk through the Elementary School, and of course, graduation. I’ve also had the privilege to watch our seniors during their exit projects and through senior interviews. I am confident they are ready to be successful as they leave Byron-Bergen and head into their pathways. I am so proud of their growth and wish them the best of luck in the future. Thank you Class of 2021 for just doing and being you!

I know there are questions about the 2021/2022 school year. It is our goal to have all of our students back in the building 5 days a week in September. We will be providing you guidance as we get more information this summer.

Please let me know if you have any questions, concerns, or feedback. Go Bees!

Graduation 2021 7

Byron-Bergen High School ~ Awards & Scholarships

This list includes special recognition awards presented to Byron-Bergen High School students at “Academic & Athletic Awards Night”, and the “Batavia Career and Technical Center Awards Night” (Awards and Scholarships given at graduation are not included here.)

“Academic and Athletic Awards Night”

Alfred University Kazuo Inamori Alfred Award Brooke Jarkiewicz

American History Award Hope Hersom

U of R Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award Cordon Zimmerman

Bergen Historical Society Award Andrew Parnapy

Brian R. Ivison Memorial Industrial Arts Award Hope Hersom

Brian R. Ivison Memorial Wrestling Award Jonah Clare

The Byron-Bergen S.T.E.P. Booster Humanitarian Leadership Scholarship Veronica Duell

Byron-Bergen Sports Booster Scholar Athlete Award Jonah Clare, Hope Hersom

The Clarkson University High School Achievement Award Caleb Carlson

The Clarkson University High School Leadership Award
Elli Schelemanow

Comeback Award Kendall Phillips

Community Achievement Award from Keuka College
Alexandra Vurraro, Kaitlyn Windhauser

Dawn Gruendike Memorial Award Kelly Ireland

Duane Streeter Memorial Award Julia Pangrazio

The Elmira College Key Awards Leanna Curts, Alayna Streeter

The Emily Reis Memorial Scholarship

Alaura Rehwaldt

The Faculty Department Award Ryan Benstead, Sara Bishop, Jonah Clare,
Noah Clare, Leanna Curts, Craig DiQuattro, Peyton Goodenbery, Sara Goodman, Ava Gray, Hope Hersom, Kelly Ireland, Connor Moran,
Grace Mundell, Valerie Pastore, Alaura Rehwaldt, Katherine Rogoyski, Elli Schelemanow, Sasha Schramm, Skylar Sharpe, Lily Stalica

Female Athlete of the Year Alaura Rehwaldt

U of R Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award in Humanities and Social Sciences Ella VanValkenburg

Gary Liles Memorial Award Trophy Kelly Ireland

U of R George Eastman Young Leaders Award Sasha Schramm

Jenny Kuzma Memorial Award Deborah Catalino

The Miss Covatta Memorial Recognition Award Rose Wilson

Male Athlete of the Year Nicholas Baubie

Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete Award Jonah Clare, Alaura Rehwaldt

Marine Corps Scholastic Excellence Award Kaitlyn Windhauser

Marine Corps Semper Fidelis Award for Musical Excellence Kelly Ireland

The Matthew Kota Memorial Scholarship Joshua Fleming

Matthew Kota Memorial Medical Scholarship Sara Goodman

The Michael and John Schott Memorial Award Kelly Ireland

NYSCOPBA Statewide Scholarship Program

Bianca Brumsted

Paul Smith Memorial Wrestling Award Devon Heick

The President’s Award for Educational Excellence
Nicholas Baubie, Bianca Brumsted, Jonah Clare, Richard Denson, Veronica Duell, Joshua Fleming, Eden Goff, Sara Goodman, Hope Hersom, Kelly Ireland, Carli Kirkwood, Colby Leggo,
Andrew Parnapy, Bryanne Puma, Alaura Rehwaldt, Skylar Sharpe, Sarah Sue Streeter

Principal’s Award Deborah Catalino, Frank Hersom,
Katherine Rogoyski, Bryanne Puma, Malachi Smith, Alexandra Vurraro

The Rensselaer Medalist Award Cordon Zimmerman

The RIT Computing Medal Award Madison Burke

The RIT Innovation & Creativity Award Madelynn Pimm

Robert Fowler Award Roman Smith

Samuel Landis Wiant Golf Award Ryan Muscarella

Saint Michael’s Book Award for Academic Achievement & Social Science Sadie Cook, Makenzie Eccleston

St. Bonaventure Junior Scholarship Corin Abdella, Grace Shepard, Grace Huhn

State Comptroller Student Achievement Award Alaura Rehwaldt

The Stephanie Lynn Tooley Cheerleading Scholarship Sarah Sue Streeter

Superintendent’s Award Alaura Rehwaldt

Triple “C” Award

Rachel Best

8 Byron Bergen Focal Point

efforts to make our school an important and vibrant part of the community.
levels between July and August. This drop in reading level means that the
summer. I look forward to seeing you in the fall.

ElementarySchool News By: Brian Meister, Principal

I am extremely proud and thankful to all who	prior year’s proficiency. With the loss of instruction last spring due to school participate and support our Byron-Bergen	closure, it is even more critical to minimize this loss by spending time with your learning community. It goes without saying	child reading 4-5 times per week and engaging them in fun learning activities that this has been the strangest and most	that challenge them to problem solve, think mathematically, and write. As we challenging year I have experienced in my	head into the summer, I am pleased to share that we are hosting a Summer 23 years as an educator. It is hard to believe	Learning and Enrichment Program here at the Elementary School. However, that just 1 year ago we had not seen our	if your child is unable to attend here are a few suggestions to consider when students’ face to face in over 3 months and	planning for summer learning practice:
we were unsure if students would return to
the building in the fall. Fear and uncertainty	1.	Read at the same time each day. Perhaps it’s story time before bed or set had gripped the world and in the middle stood            the timer for 15 minutes first thing in the morning. Kids thrive on routine. our children. I still recall our first meeting in	2.	Make it a manageable timeframe. 10-20 minutes is plenty.
July as we began to unpack the 80-page reopening plan document sent out by	3.	Choose books or articles that are familiar and enjoyable. The goal is not New York State. So many questions needed to be answered with very little time             to challenge them with more complicated texts that will frustrate them but to answer them all, but our focus remained constant. Our students needed to be            rather to allow them to practice their skills on resources that are motivating in school and we made that happen. My deepest appreciation goes out to our               and accessible.
teachers, service providers, support staff, clerical, food service, transportation,	4.	If the book is frustrating, read it to them. Listening to fluent readers helps and buildings and grounds teams. Every day, 5 days per week, you brought                  students with their fluency.
your best to make sure our students were safe, warm, fed, taught, and most	5.	Let them read articles and stories online. Just be certain to monitor their importantly, nurtured and cared for. Thanks to our parents and families who                  online use.
prepared their children each day to try their best and believe in the value of	6.	Most importantly, have fun.
learning. To our community our sincere appreciation for supporting us and our        In terms of math, I recommend including math practice into your daily routine. Flash cards are a great way to practice math facts. We are expecting to keep
Each year I take time to remind families about the importance of providing	our online programs such as IXL active for all students to practice with and there fun learning rich activities and in particular reading throughout the summer	are many free and fun math programs out there. Your child’s teacher can share months. Summer regression is when students lose recently learned skills due	which ones are most appropriate for your child.
to lack of practice and exposure. We typically see students fall 1-3 reading           I would once again like to thank all of the families and friends of Byron-Bergen first few weeks of school is spent reteaching skills and strategies to regain the      Elementary for their ongoing support of our students and school. Have a great
	
Graduation 2021
	9

Byron-Bergen High School ~ Awards & Scholarships

Band Award

Sara Goodman, Jaden Pocock, Alaura Rehwaldt, Sarah Sue Streeter, Gianni Vallese

Band & Chorus Award Kelly Ireland, Andrew Parnapy

Byron-Bergen Music Booster Scholarship Joshua Fleming, Kelly Ireland, Andrew Parnapy, Deacon Smith

Byron-Bergen Musical Theater Award Joshua Fleming, Kelly Ireland, Deacon Smith, Nicole Stone

Music Awards

Choral Award

Joshua Fleming, Hope Hersom, Kelly Ireland, Deacon Smith

Donna Terepka Piano Memorial Award Gianni Vallese

John Philip Sousa Award Kelly Ireland

Most Improved Vocal Music Award

Bianca Brumsted, Andrew Parnapy, Xavier Thomas

Raymond E. Scott Memorial Award Joshua Fleming, Alaura Rehwaldt

Singing Silhouette Leadership Award Deacon Smith

Vince Zarcone Award

Andrew Parnapy, Alaura Rehwaldt

“Batavia Career and Technical Center Awards”

Auto Tech Student of the Year Devon Zinter

Car Quest Auto Body Skills Award Zachary Gurtler

Cosmetology Most Improved Award Elizabeth Klafehn

Culinary Arts Club Award Isaiah Merrell

Josh Mouery Memorial Award

Iasiah Merrell

Student Art Showcase

“Gyotaku Fish Print” Watercolor & Marker
By: Haylee Galves, grade 6 Art Teacher: Mrs. Auer

“Pastel Sunset” Chalk Pastel on Paper
By: Payton Buzzell, grade 11 Art Teacher: Mrs. Fritz

“Acorn” Marker on Paper
By: Olivia Best, grade 10 Art Teacher: Mrs. Fritz

10 Byron Bergen Focal Point

“The Great Ivory” Plaster Mask
By: Simone Scharvogel, grade 7 Art Teacher: Mrs. Auer

“Warm Color Hippo” Crayon and watercolor on paper By: Scarlet Bates, Kindergarten
Art Teacher: Mrs. Coniglio

“Tap Tap Bus” Mixed media on paper
By: Kennedy Pedraza, Kindergarten

Art Teacher: Mrs. Coniglio

“Barn at Dusk” Watercolor and mixed media on paper
By: Ruth Kuipers, grade 5 Art Teacher: Mrs. Coniglio

“Nurse” Mixed Media
By: Julia Pangrazio, grade 12 Art Teacher: Mrs. Fritz

“Comic Selfie” Marker and pencil on paper
By: Jenna Redick, grade 5

Art Teacher: Mrs. Coniglio

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July 2021

August 2021

September 2021

October 2021

November 2021

December 2021

JULY/AUGUST

New Teacher Orientation August 25-26, 2021

Professional Development (non-tenured teachers) - August 26, 2021

HOLIDAYS/RECESSES

Independence Day (Observed) - July 5, 2021 Labor Day - September 6, 2021
Columbus Day - October 11, 2021 Veterans' Day - November 11, 2021
Thanksgiving Recess - November 24-26, 2021

Winter Recess - December 24, 2021 - December 31, 2021 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - January 17, 2022
February Recess - February 21-25, 2022 Spring Recess - April 11-18, 2022 Memorial Day - May 30, 2022 Juneteenth (Observed) - June 20,2022

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL September 7, 2021

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL June 24, 2022

TESTING SCHEDULE

January Regents - January 25-28, 2022

3rd - 8th Grade NYS ELA Testing - March 29-30, 2022 3rd - 8th Grade NYS Math Testing - April 26-27, 2022
8th Grade Science Performance Test - May 24-26, 2022 8th Grade Written Science Test - June 6, 2022
June Regents - June 15-17 & 21-23, 2022 Regents Rating day - June 24, 2022

SUPERINTENDENT’S CONFERENCE DAYS NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
Superintendent's Conference Day- September 1, 2021 Superintendent's Conference Day- October 8, 2021 Superintendent's Conference Day- January 28, 2022 Superintendent's Conference Day- March 18, 2022

PARENT TEACHER CONFRENCE

1/2 Day of School - PreK-12 - November 19, 2021

1/2 Day of School - PreK- 5 (only) - November 22, 2021 1/2 Day of School - PreK- 5 (only) - November 23, 2021

DAYS OF INSTRUCTION
September	18 + 1 October	19 + 1 November	18 December	17 January	19 + 1 February	15 March	22 + 1 April	15 May	21
 June	17	
181 + 4

January 2022

February 2022

March 2022

April 2022

May 2022

June 2022

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Approved by the Byron-Bergen Central School District Board of Education on March 18, 2021.

Graduation 2021 11

Interim Superintendent Scott Bischoping

Board of Education Debra List, President
Yvonne Ace-Wagoner, Vice President

Kimberly Carlson, Trustee William Forsyth, Trustee Tammy Menzie, Trustee Amy Phillips, Trustee
Jennifer VanValkenburg, Trustee

Byron-Bergen Central School District Bergen, NY 14416

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

Editor Susan Kuszlyk

Communication Specialist Gretchen Spittler

Graphic Designer Shannon Sweeney

			

				
			
	12
	Byron Bergen Focal Point

Olympics & Fun in The Sun Day