Byron-Bergen Central School District

									

			

Spring 2016	w w w.bbschools.org

Superintendent’s Message

By Jon Hunter, Ed.D.

Dear Byron-Bergen Community Members,

I want to thank the Byron-Bergen Board of Education for the opportunity to serve as Interim Superintendent and to be a member of your community. I have more than 40 years of experience as a teacher and school administrator. In only a few short months, I have met with faculty, staff, and the officers of the Class of 2016, and learned about the outstanding achievements and personal commitments so many have for the Byron-Bergen Schools.

Change has been the theme of the 2015-16 school year! A Principal, the Superintendent, 10 teachers, and 15 staff are new to their positions.What has not changed is a strong Board
of Education, quality teachers, staff, administration, and great students. During this time of change, you can expect me to maintain a focus on collaboration, student success, and a smooth transition for our next school leaders. Our focus includes:

• Superintendent Search—The Board and the consultant have completed a brochure announcing our search for a Superintendent. They developed the application, an interview timeline, and an interview process that will involve all members of our school community.We began advertising for the position Feb.1, and the Board is scheduled to make an appointment at their final meeting in April.We have a link on our website with all materials.

• Principal Search—I have
reviewed with the Board of Education a timeline and process for filling our position of principal at Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School.The position
was posted on Jan. 25.The interview process will include teacher, student, staff,and parent interview committees. Final interviews are scheduled in April with a recommendation to the Board of Education for appointment at their May meeting.

• Budget—The Board of Education, staff, and I are at work developing the 2016-17 budget.The Board
is committed to strong programs, small class sizes, and implementation of the Strategic Plan. We know
that the levy limit will be at or around zero so there will be only small changes in school taxes.The Governor has shared NYS school aid recommendations.We have received about a 3 percent growth in aid.We will be working hard to influence the legislature to fully restore our Gap

Winners in the Clarkson Historical Society’s Campaign for Cursive handwriting contest for grades 6-8— seventh-grader Carli
Kirkwood (l), who placed first, and eighth-grader
Jacey Donahue (r), who received third place.

Elimination monies. Please come to a budget presentation and complete the 2016-17
Byron-Bergen Budget Development Survey posted on our webpage.Your input is important.

• Student Achievement—NYS has released four-year graduation information for the Class of 2015. This cohort of Byron-Bergen
students had outstanding success.The graduation rate was at 94 percent. Across NYS, the graduation rate was at 78 percent. Many of our student groups also performed at very high levels of achievement.(continued on p. 3)

will be performed March 3, 4, & 5

at 7 PM and a matinee on Saturday, March 5 at 2 PM.

Running forschool board

The Byron-Bergen Board of Education’s seven members are elected by District residents and serve unpaid, three-year terms.The board is responsible for setting policy within state and federal laws and serves as the community’s communication link with the educational staff. If you are committed
to education and want to make an impact on our District, consider running for school board.We are looking for folks who will always
be focused on the good of schoolchildren, who are:

• Effective communicators. • Consensus builders.
• Community participants.

• Leaders and decision-makers. • Information processors. •Team players.

Board candidate petitions can be obtained from District Clerk Jadwiga Syfert in the District Office.They must be returned by 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday,April 19, 2016.

2     Byron-Bergen Central School District

Spring 2016 Rapid Responder Program implemented

Byron-Bergen Central School District continues to value that our most important priority is keeping our students and staff safe.The District has added the New York State Sheriff’s Association (NYSSA) Rapid Responder® Program to their crisis management and emergency preparedness plans.The new program
uses cutting-edge technology to give school personnel and all first responders immediate access to emergency response information, enabling clear communication and quick, coordinated action.

Rapid Responder is an all-hazards
site-based crisis management system that is utilized in schools nationwide and Canada.The system brings school officials and first responders from diverse agencies together on a single digital platform, giving everyone instant access to
site-specific emergency response information, including floor plans, aerial views, hazardous material locations, utility shut-off information, evacuation plans, and live camera feeds.

Byron-Bergen Director of Facilities Michael List said,“We are expanding the dialogue between the District and responders from local law enforcement, fire, and medical departments.We have
already found areas for improvement that will enable responders to better handle many emergency scenarios in our schools. The new Rapid Responder system helps make that possible.”

List added,“We recently completed detailed site visits and are now reviewing all the data.The next step in
implementation will be training and drills with local responders based on different emergency and daily security situations to test all portions of the system.”

Implementation of the Rapid Responder Program is part of the District’s solid commitment to safety and security in
the schools. Current security for the District includes a comprehensive visitor management system, Raptor®, in both schools and the District Office, which is utilized for visitor background checks, as

well as for generating ID badges.A large security camera system oversees buildings and grounds, and will now be tied into Rapid Responder using their capability to integrate IP based cameras.The District also recently welcomed School Resource Officer Matt Butler to the staff.

In a world of seemingly increased violent incidents, we are proud to put an additional measure in place to ensure everyone’s safety.The implementation team for the NYSSA Rapid Responder Program consists of Interim Superintendent Dr. Jon Hunter, Mike List,Transportation Coordinator Drew Doll, School Business Official William Snyder, the building principals, and Deputy Butler.

Rapid Responder (http://www. preparedresponse.com/New-York-Sheriffs-Rapid-Responder-Program. html) is currently deployed in over 16,000 facilities nationwide and is SAFETY Act Certified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

(continued from cover) Superintendent’s Message

Students with disabilities had an 83 percent graduation rate.Thirty-eight percent of all students graduated with a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation.

• Pre-Merger Study—The
Byron-Bergen Board of Education completed a pre-merger evaluation. The study was a shared analysis with the LeRoy Central School District.After a careful analysis of demographics, academic and co-curricular programs, and review of financial considerations, the Board has decided to discontinue any merger planning.

• Building Condition Survey— The Building Condition Survey is a report that NYS Education
Department requires to be completed every five years.The Board contracted with the architecture
firm of Clark Patterson to provide an independent and thorough analysis of safety, infrastructure, technology, and program strengths and weaknesses of our facilities. The report gives our Maintenance and Buildings and Grounds staff good grades. It also provides the Board and Administrative Team with a clear analysis of where the facilities are aging and options of
how to address needs in a timely and fiscally responsible manner. Ideas

include an energy performance contract that would enable savings from efficiencies to pay for project costs, and capital outlay projects that enable small projects to be completed using maximum NYS building aid. The Board of Education Facilities Committee will examine options and move the planning process forward.

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 the 2016-17 budget
and select our future leaders. I can be reached at 494-1220 ext. 2829, or jhunter@bbschools.org.

Home of the Bees	3

		

“Snoopy!!!” cast for Thursday night and Saturday matinee performances.

School musical	takes the stage

Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School is proud to present “Snoopy!!!” as our 2016 musical.

Based on the beloved comic strip “Peanuts” by Charles M. Schulz, it features many familiar characters as they sing, dance, and share the moments that made them famous and treasured by millions.

The show will be presented on March 3, 4, and 5, 2016

with evening shows starting at 7 p.m. (and an additional Saturday matinee starting at 2 p.m.)

in the Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School auditorium

Tickets are available for $8 ($7.00 for senior citizens and students)

and are available in the Sr. High Office and at the Gillam-Grant Community Center.

This presentation is unique in that it will feature two completely different casts. Featured performers for the Thursday evening and Saturday matinee shows include students Colby Savage (Snoopy), Joelle Meister (Lucy), Nathan Knickerbocker (Charlie Brown), Esther Wilkins (Sally Brown),Anthony Calarco (Linus), Hayley Hoehn (Peppermint Patty) and Grace Pulcini (Woodstock). Featured performers for the Friday and Saturday evening shows include Celeste Brownell (Snoopy), Rose Bower (Lucy), Mason Fuller
(Charlie Brown), Shannon Little (Sally Brown), Jerome Spinks (Linus), Stephanie Buell (Peppermint Patty) and Jason Hoehn (Woodstock). In addition, there are two different choirs and stage crews, along with an orchestra with more than 50 student members.

Byron-Bergen teacher Laurence Tallman directs, both dramatically and musically; the show features costumes by Teacher Aide Faline Tyler, lights and sound by community member Todd Sloat, and choreography by student Bethany Ezard.

“Snoopy!!!” cast for Friday and Saturday night performances.

“Snoopy!!!” (London Version) is presented with permission, and in arrangement with,Tams-Witmark Music Library, Inc., 560 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10022.The book is by Charles M. Schulz Create Associates,Warren Lockhart,Arthur Whitelaw and Michale Grace.The music is by Larry Grossman, with lyrics by Hal Hackady.

4     Byron-Bergen Central School District

Spring 2016

Jr./Sr. High School Update By Pat McGee, Interim Principal

It is hard to believe that we have already started the 2016-17 scheduling process with grades 7-11 students. Our counselors are meeting with students to select courses for next year. I really encourage families to take time to talk about the variety of options available to
students.Your child’s future is important; time spent together exploring and investigating college and career pathways is time well-spent.

Our goal is to help students narrow their interests down to two college and career pathways by their sophomore year.This understanding will help them to work with staff to better align their coursework with their future interests, resulting in greater feelings
of motivation and commitment. More highly motivated, committed students equal higher rates of academic success. We encourage all students to make educated decisions and truly challenge themselves for the next chapter of their lives.

We were recently visited by 26 Byron-Bergen alumni.They met with seniors for lunch and a panel discussion—an annual event that allows our alumni
to come back and report to current students about life after high school.

(l-r) Juniors Clare Fraser and Melanie MacCowan review their 4-Year Plans with Jr./Sr. High School Counselors Andrea Feeney and Matt Walther.

These conversations are very important and give our current students a reality check of post-secondary life. It also provides us feedback into how we can continue to improve our preparation of students for life after high school. I really appreciate that these alumni took time out of their schedules to be here.

As the building principal, I believe that it is essential that we have a nurturing and supportive environment for our students. Recently, I was walking by the weight room after school and witnessed about 30 students, teachers, and coaches doing a CrossFit workout. Broken into teams

of three, they were trying to accomplish a goal of a “school run,” 500 “thrusters,” and 500 “pull ups.” It was exciting to observe students and staff working together in a supportive environment after school hours to accomplish a task; and the comradery that came with it.When one group completed their challenge, they quickly turned to the other groups still working and pitched in to help complete that team’s task. The teamwork, togetherness, support, and selflessness our students and staff are gaining from our new CrossFit program is something that has me very excited about the culture in our building.

Our students’ success is my #1 priority on a daily basis. I am willing to do whatever I can to help them achieve their goals. I believe that an open line of communication between home and school is essential. I encourage you to
contact your child’s teacher or counselor with any questions or concerns you
may have. Please know that I am always available to assist you in any way possible. If you ever have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at 494-1220 ext. 2401, or via email pmcgee@bbschools.org.

What a way to start the season!

Our Varsity Boys’ Basketball Team traveled to Cleveland, late last November, for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to play in the home of the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers. Competing at the Quicken Loans Arena, just hours before LeBron James and the Cavaliers met the Brooklyn Nets on the same court, was a great experience for the team members.

“We really want to thank the Oakfield-Alabama Hornets and Coach Ryan Stehler for inviting us to join them in Cleveland,” said Varsity Coach Chad Smith.“This was an incredible experience all of our kids will never forget.”

The game against the winning Hornets was well-played, ending in a close final score of
40-36. In addition to the Varsity team, the Byron-Bergen travelers included the boys Junior Varsity team, along with coaches and chaperones. Postgame, our group bonded over dinner and then returned to the arena to watch the evening’s Cavaliers/Nets match-up.After a night in Cleveland, our lucky Bees returned home and continued a strong season of play.

Home of the Bees	5

Art from recycled materials

Students in teacher Sandy Auer’s Computer Graphics and Design (CGAD) class recently learned about Brazilian artist Vik Muniz.They were inspired by not only Muniz’s work, but by the greater meaning it has. Muniz has often said he wanted to make art that changed people, made them look at the world differently, and think about who they are. Students watched the documentary movie,“Waste Land,” where Muniz creates art with the garbage pickers of Jardim Gramacho, a large garbage landfill in Rio de Janeiro.

The transforming effect of the garbage to art mirrored the transformation in the pickers themselves.They became the art and artist, and saw a greater value in the objects they dealt with every day.Vik Muniz said, "What I really want to do
is change the lives of a group of people with materials they use every day."

The CGAD students were challenged to create an art installation using recycled materials.They collaborated

and researched, debating the many possible options for the project.
In the end, they decided on a whimsical scene depicting a giant dinosaur destroying New York City. All of the materials used in the project, with the exception of glue, tape, paint, and plaster, came from recycled materials.

Students Quinn Chapel, Kitana Maher, and Catherine Brumsted constructed Rexy, the dinosaur.They used cardboard, newspaper, plastic bags, empty kitty litter bottles, milk cartons, and a variety of other recycled materials to construct the body.They covered him in a thin layer of plaster and paint and embellished him with
a variety of toys, electronics parts, and other items that would otherwise be discarded. Dominic Andres and Ben Lathan constructed the city scene. They chose areas of NYC like Central Park,Times Square, and Ellis Island for

(l-r) Quinn Chapell, Ben Lathan, Catherine Brumsted, and Katina Maher with their recycled art project on display by the Jr./Sr. High School Auditorium.

depiction.They used milk cartons, bottles, cans, and many discarded toys to create the cityscape.The group collaborated to create the sunset backdrop on a piece
of cardboard from the Maintenance Department that was from a large delivery of equipment.

Scholar Program

The Scholar Program is Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School’s academic incentive program, which recognizes students
for their good effort, attendance, and academics.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 2015-16 first quarter recipients:

GOLD SCHOLAR Larissa Ashton Nicholas Baubie Sarah Bleiler Rose Bower Kolbi Brew Bianca Brumsted
Elizabeth Burlingame Siomara Caballero Grace Campbell Lydia Campbell Leah Catalino Benjamin Chaback Emily Chaback Jonah Clare Joseph Damick Richard Denson

Jacey Donahue Elizabeth Donnelly Adam Drake Bethany Ezard Madison Farnsworth Kyle Foeller Clare Fraser Sara Fraser Eden Goff Sara Goodman
Margaret Graney Amaya Gunther Kaitlyn Harder Tyler Henry Annaliese Hersom Hope Hersom Kelly Ireland Cora Ivison

Daniel Jensen William Johnson Cambria Kinkelaar Carli Kirkwood Tyler Kota
Melanie Kulikowski Hunter Leach Colby Leggo Melissa MacCowan Kelsey Maurer Joelle Meister Jillian Menzie Celia Mercovich John Mercovich Lily Mercovich
Ashley Montgomery Colin Noeth Alaura Rehwaldt

Karson Richenberg Alexandria Rosse MacKenzie Rosse Chloe Shuskey Xavier Thomas Dana VanValkenburg Annabella Vurraro Devon Zinter Michael Zwerka Nathan Zwerka

SILVER SCHOLAR Benjamin Bowman Lindsey Bowman Hannah Catalino Tylor Coats Jeremiah DeLorme

Monica Fee Joshua Fleming Mackenzie Fox Matthew Gonyea Emma Goodman Chad Green Alyssa Hing Hailey Hubbard
Alexandria Loewke Andrew Parnapy Hunter Parnell Tanner Savage Emmy Stein Sarah Streeter Miriam Tardy Matthew Zwerka

BRONZE SCHOLAR Mariah Fee Jenica Hickey Julia Menzie Allie Moyer Julia Schlenker-Stephens Robert Yohon

SPECIAL RECOGNITION Shawn Merry Garrett Sando

6     Byron-Bergen Central School District

Spring 2016 Student Showcase

“Polar Bears” Oil pastel on paper
By: Noah Clare, grade 3 Art Teacher: Mrs. Coniglio

“Bear”
Oil crayon on paper By: Grace Huhn, grade 6
Art Teacher: Mrs. Coniglio

“Elephant Mask” Plaster and paint
By: Sarah Streeter, grade 7 Art Teacher:Mrs.Auer

“Slab Vessel” Clay
By: Kelsey Maurer, grade 11
Art Teacher:Mrs.Auer

“Bald Eagle”
White colored pencil on paper By: Riley Sadler, grade 10 Art Teacher: Mrs. Fritz

“Reflections” Graphite pencil on paper
By: Celia Mercovich, grade 11 Art Teacher: Mrs. Fritz

“Slab Mug” Clay
By:Savannah Wolfe, grade 12
Art Teacher:Mrs.Auer

Varsity Club raises funds to help find a cure for paralysis

Byron-Bergen’s Varsity Club members promote our athletic programs throughout the school year with many community service and fundraising projects.The Club recently held their sixth annual Lift-
a-Thon to raise money for the Miami Project, which is dedicated to finding a cure for spinal paralysis and helping local community members deal with paralysis.The Ricky Palermo Foundation, a not-for-profit founded by Byron-Bergen alumnus Ricky Palermo, who suffered a serious spinal injury in 1997, supports the Miami Project.

Club members raised awareness for the organization and presented a check for $150 to Palermo during halftime at the Boys Basketball game on Feb. 4.

(l-r) Grace Campbell,Alexandria Rosse, Ricky Palermo, Maya Benda, Mackenzie Muoio. Back row: Anthony Miraglia, Brendan Marsocci,Anna Levchuk,Alicyn Bizari, Karson Richenberg, and Lucas Stucchio.

Home of the Bees	7

Byron-Bergen 2015-16 First Quarter Honor Roll

GRADE 7

High Honor Roll—Mya-Lyn Albanese, Nicholas Baubie, Bianca Brumsted, Emily Chaback, Zoey Chambry, Jonah Clare, Joseph Damick, Richard Denson, Julietta Doyle, Joshua Fleming, Eden Goff, Matthew Gonyea, Mitchell Gonyea, Sara Goodman,
Hope Hersom, Kelly Ireland, Carli Kirkwood, Aiden Kulikowski, Colby Leggo, Gavin Lewis, John Mercovich, Zechariah Merrell, Madison Mucha, Julia Pangrazio,Andrew Parnapy, Hunter Parnell, Jaden Pocock, Bryanne Puma, Alaura Rehwaldt,Tanner Savage, Skylar Sharpe, Emmy Stein, Sarah Streeter, Joshua Swapceinski, Xavier Thomas, Devon Zinter, Matthew Zwerka.
Honor Roll—Carleigh Buell,Tylor Coats, Alissa Davis, Samantha Leach, Isaiah Merrell, Matthew Rada, Mason Singer, Deacon Smith, Morgan Vincent,Angela Young.
Effort Roll—Mya-Lyn Albanese,Nicholas Baubie, Bianca Brumsted, Emily Chaback, Jonah Clare, Joseph Damick,Alissa Davis, Richard Denson, Julietta Doyle, Joshua Fleming, Eden Goff, Sara Goodman, Hope Hersom, Kelly Ireland, Carli Kirkwood, Colby Leggo, Gavin Lewis, John Mercovich, Madison Mucha, Julia Pangrazio,Andrew Parnapy, Hunter Parnell, Bryanne Puma,Alaura Rehwaldt,Tanner Savage, Julia Schlenker-Stephens, Skylar Sharpe, Emmy Stein, Sarah Streeter, Joshua Swapceinski, Xavier Thomas, Matthew Zwerka.

GRADE 8

High Honor Roll—Julianna Amesbury, Caitlin Ashton, Alexander Brumsted,Elizabeth Burlingame, Siomara Caballero, Hannah Catalino,Alexander Dean, Jacey Donahue, Elizabeth Donnelly, Madison Farnsworth, Monica Fee, Kyle Foeller, Sara Fraser, Kelsey Fuller,Amaya Gunther, Zachary Hannan, Mikaela Hubler, Cambria Kinkelaar,
Melissa MacCowan, Jillian Menzie,Auburn Schwartzmeyer, Caleb Sharpe, Chloe Shuskey, Garrett Swinter,Annabella Vurraro, Grant Williams, Nathan Zwerka.
Honor Roll—Megan Bogue, Sydney Brown, Alexis Calarco, Emily Gonyea, Chad Green, Coltin Henry, Rick Hubbard, Connor Kaminski, Chad Kupfer,Travis Lambert,
Kyle Schramm, Hannah Seppe, Kevin Smith, Peter Smith, Brandon Stefanski, Miriam Tardy, Hannah VanSkiver, Bryce Walker, Bryce Yockel, Braeden Zimmerman.
Effort Roll—Caitlin Ashton, Alexander Brumsted, Elizabeth Burlingame, Siomara Caballero, Hannah Catalino,Alexander Dean, Elizabeth Donnelly, Madison Farnsworth,

Kyle Foeller, Sara Fraser, Kelsey Fuller, Chad Green,Amaya Gunther, Zachary Hannan, Cambria Kinkelaar, Jillian Menzie,Auburn Schwartzmeyer, Chloe Shuskey,Annabella Vurraro, Nathan Zwerka.

GRADE 9

High Honor Roll—Sarah Bleiler, Benjamin Bowman, Kolbi Brew, Lydia Campbell, Adam Drake, Mariah Fee, Leah Gale, Emma Goodman,Annaliese Hersom, William Johnson, Hunter Leach, Erin Parnapy, Sabastian Pawlukewicz, MacKenzie Rosse, Brianna Shade.
Honor Roll—Stephanie Buell, Ryan Cooper, Anthony DiQuattro, Jared Fregoe,Tabitha Fuller, Donna Hinckley, Rebecca Johnson, Janae Meister, Emma Smith,Wade Thompson, Kyong-ae Yun.
Effort Roll—Sarah Bleiler, Benjamin Bowman, Kolbi Brew, Lydia Campbell, Cole Carlson,Adam Drake, Mariah Fee, Jared Fregoe, Leah Gale, Emma Goodman, Annaliese Hersom,William Johnson, Hunter Leach, Janae Meister, Erin Parnapy, Sabastian Pawlukewicz, MacKenzie Rosse, Brianna Shade, Wade Thompson,Shawn Turner.

GRADE 10

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

GRADE 11

High Honor Roll—Dominick Andres,Olivia Audsley, Rose Bower, Lindsey Bowman, Dillon Brew, Brandon Burke, Grace Campbell, Reanne Dressler, Marlaina Fee, Mackenzie Fox, Clare Fraser, Hailey Hubbard,Alexandria Loewke, Kelsey Maurer, Celia Mercovich, Colin Noeth, Grace Pulcini, Brittany Rada, Karson Richenberg, Brandon Shade,Tyler Stefanski,Adam Walter, Michael Zwerka. Honor Roll—Kerri Bates, Michaela Bohn, Derek Cooper, Russell Cunningham, Chase Felton, Ryan Gonyea, Jenica Hickey, Kitana Maher, Shawn Merry, Ryan Richardson, Averey Ridder, Mary Sweeney,Victoria Welka. Effort Roll—Dominick Andres,Olivia Audsley, Rose Bower, Lindsey Bowman, Dillon Brew, Brandon Burke, Russell Cunningham, Reanne Dressler, Clare Fraser, Ryan Gonyea, Jessica Holley, Hailey Hubbard, Alexandria Loewke, Kitana Maher, Kelsey Maurer, Celia Mercovich, Shawn Merry, Colin Noeth, Brittany Rada, Karson Richenberg, Averey Ridder, Brandon Shade,Adam Walter, Michael Zwerka.

GRADE 12

High Honor Roll—Merrisa Bohn, Aaron Buckland, Leah Catalino, Heather
Countryman, Jeremiah DeLorme, Samantha Donnelly, Bethany Ezard, Rider Farnsworth, Aaries Fitzsimmons, Brittany Goebel, Julia Hahn, Kaitlyn Harder,Ana Hubbard, Cora Ivison, Ryan Jensen,Tyler Kota,Allison Kropf, Thomas Lambert,Taylor McPherson, Joelle Meister, Ashley Montgomery, Allie Moyer, Alexandria Rosse,Alexa Strzelecki.
Honor Roll—Alicyn Bizari, Celeste Brownell, Bryanna D’Agostino,Andrew DiQuattro, Matthew Drake, Kyle Elliott, Matthew
Foeller, Lauren Graney, Ethan Hall, Lindsay Ladley, Kyle Lewis,Vitorrio Muoio, Courtney Onderdonk, Jacob Petote, Jacob Prospero, Brandon Reiner, Colby Savage, Jordan Sloat, Aurora Zinter.
Effort Roll—Alicyn Bizari, Merrisa Bohn, Aaron Buckland, Leah Catalino, Heather Countryman, Jeremiah DeLorme, Matthew Drake, Bethany Ezard, Rider Farnsworth, Aaries Fitzsimmons, Brittany Goebel, Lauren Graney, Julia Hahn, Kaitlyn Harder, Ana Hubbard, Cora Ivison, Ryan Jensen, Tyler Kota,Allison Kropf,Thomas Lambert, Taylor McPherson, Joelle Meister,Ashley Montgomery,Allie Moyer, Brandon Reiner, Alexandria Rosse, Jordan Sloat,Alexa Strzelecki, Dakota Zambito.

8     Byron-Bergen Central School District

Spring 2016 Spelling Bee winner named

Sixth-grader Elli Schelemanow bested 22 other participants in the annual Robert Fowler/Byron-Bergen Grades 6-8 and Buffalo Evening News Spelling Bee held on Dec. 22, 2015. Schelemanow now represents Byron-Bergen in the run for regional representation at The Scripps National Spelling Bee. Up next for her was a written test in early February to determine her eligibility for the regional spelling bee.That competition,The Western New York Oral Final, will be held
on Sunday, March 13, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. at the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society.

Runners-up this year are Byron-Bergen seventh-grader Joshua Swapceinski and eighth-grader Garrett Swinter.The
competition put all the students through their paces, with eight challenging rounds and scores of demanding words before a champion emerged.The competition was moderated by teacher Andrew McNeil; with instructors Charlene Kelly, Laurie Penepent, and Diana Walther acting as judges.
Byron-Bergen’s exceptional spelling contestants:
• Grade 6:CoreyAbdella,Madison Burke,Sadie Cook,Grace Huhn, Elli Schelemanow,Alex Toal, Ella Van Valkenburg, Hallie Wade, and Corden Zimmerman.
• Grade 7:Julietta Doyle,Josh Fleming,Gavin Lewis,John Mercovich,Alaura Rehwaldt, Sarah Streeter, and Josh Swapceinski.

• Grade 8:Siomara Caballero,Alex Dean,Cambria Kinkelaar, Ethan Ray, Garrett Swinter, Justice Towne, and Grant Williams.

Byron-Bergen’s Jr./Sr. High School Interim Principal Patrick McGee congratulated Schelemanow, Swapceinski, Swinter, and all the participants.“Our schools are proud to have Elli represent us, and I’m confident she will do a great job,” he said. “All our kids did impressive work with very difficult spelling challenges.” McGee also wished to thank all the teachers for their support,“especially Jason Blom, Elizabeth Findlay, and the sixth-grade team.”

Robert Fowler/
Byron-Bergen Grades 6-8 and Buffalo
Evening News Spelling Bee (l-r)
runner-up Garrett Swinter, Bee champion Elli
Schelemanow, and runner-up Joshua
Swapceinski.

Around the world with some very smart Byron-Bergen Bees

This year’s National Geographic Society Geography Bees for grades 7 and 8, and grades 4-6 were held on Jan. 7, 2016.All of the participants qualified after high scores on written tests taken in December.

At the Junior High, our top performers were—Grade 8: Caitlin Ashton,Siomara Caballero,Alex Dean, Kyle Foeller, Sara Fraser, Coltin Henry, Connor Kaminski, Cambria Kinkelaar, Garrett Swinter, Justice Towne, Hannah Van Skiver,
Abby Vurraro, and Grant Williams. Grade 7: Nick Baubie, Ricky Denson, Josh Fleming, Colby Leggo, John Mercovich, Isaiah Merrell, Zechariah Merrell,Andrew Parnapy, Deacon Smith, and Josh Swapceinski.

The smartest Bees on our side of the globe were Ricky Denson and Alex Dean, who competed in the Championship Round. Denson was able to answer all

three final questions correctly and was declared the Jr. High School Geography Bee Champion. He was awarded a $25 Amazon.com gift card.As the runner-up, Dean received a $15 Amazon.com
gift card.

(l-r) Jr. High Geography Bee Champion Ricky Denson, Ken Gropp, and runner-up Alex Dean

The next step for Denson will be a written test. If his score is one of the 100 highest in the State, he will be invited to take part in the New York State Bee. State winners compete in the National Geography Bee in Washington, D.C., hosted by Alex Trebeck from the “Jeopardy” TV show.

At the Elementary School, we had many outstanding competitors: Jared Barnum, Dayanara Caballero, Cameron Carlson, Caris Carlson, Braedyn Chambry, Sadie Cook, Evan Cuba, Gianni Ferrara, Emily Henry, Frank Hersom, Grace Huhn, Brooke Jarkiewicz, Ryan Muscarella, Stephanie Onderdonk, Madelynn Pimm, Elizabeth Piper, Carter Prinzi, Elli Schelemanow, Grace Shepard, Ella VanValkenburg,Alexandra Vurraro, Dawson Young, Corden Zimmerman, and Nicholas Zwerka.(continued on p. 10)

Home of the Bees	9

(continued from p. 9)

Around the world with some very smart Byron-Bergen Bees

Our 2016 Champion, Corden Zimmerman, a sixth-grader, will also be taking a written exam in hopes of
qualifying for the State competition. Best of luck Corden! Runner-up fifth-grader Cameron Carlson also did a great job. We’re very proud of all our clever Bees.

Finally, a big thanks to our judges, moderators and coordinators.At the

Elementary School: Judges Craig Schroth, Erin Varley, and Liz Findlay; moderator Rick Merritt; and Bee Coordinator Ken Rogoyski.At the Jr. High School: Judges Rob Kaercher, Matt Walther, and Bryan Kavanaugh; moderator Debbie Slocum; event coordinator Ken Gropp; and Interim Dean of Students Aaron Clark.

Elementary School Geography Bee Champion Corden Zimmerman

Elementary School News By Brian Meister, Principal

On behalf of Byron-Bergen Elementary School, I would like to wish all of
our families, friends, and community members a Happy New Year.This year has already been filled with many exciting and meaningful learning
experiences as we continue to challenge, engage, and nurture.

Throughout this year we have spent time teaching students how to treat others with kindness and to thoughtfully make an effort to make someone else’s day brighter.The result has been tremendous
with the students and staff expanding their influence globally with two large service learning projects.

Literacy continues to be of paramount	In October, our students and staff importance here at Byron-Bergen	organized and planned Socktober. In Elementary.We want to foster children’s           Clean water can change the world,	preparation for a cold winter, our students love of reading and make it a lifelong                and we are doing our part to help.         collected socks to donate to families in need.
pursuit.To reinforce this, we held our now	Principal Meister with a few of our	We were thrilled to find that our goal of third-annual Celebration of Reading this	young activists: Brody Baubie,Trevor	500 socks was easily accomplished with the past November.This year’s celebration	Beale, Braedyn Chambry,Tyler	generous donations of more than 700 warm centered on a farm theme in support	Chapman, Colin Martin, Brendan	pairs of socks. In the process, the students
and Sawyer Zinter.
of the strong agricultural ties we have	Pimm, Ashley Schlenker-Stephens,	learned about the very real existence of within our community. Children and staff                                                                    poverty and how the loss of basic needs can

animal costumes and hit the stage to build
dressed in their favorite farmer or farm	negatively impact families and children.

across the globe to learn about the impact of low or poor
water access.The Ugandan Water Project is a humanitarian
excitement for the challenge ahead. Students laughed and	Our most recent service learning project is taking our students cheered as teachers and their principals got “crazy” about books.
organization headquartered in Bloomfield, New York, that
Throughout the rest of the day, the entire school was immersed
we set our reading goal for the year.Twenty-five thousand
books you wonder? Our kids can do it.
in books, reading, and storytelling.The day was complete when	works with communities in Africa to provide safe, accessible drinking water.After learning how precious water is to children and families in Uganda, our school community took on the
Coming off an amazing year where our District was recognized	challenge to help raise funds to install a rainwater collection
as a New York State District of Character, our students and	system at a school there.The system will serve a community of staff remain committed to maintaining high standards when it	almost 400 people for up to 35 years. Byron-Bergen students comes to positive behavior.This year’s theme at the Elementary	will change lives.
is a reference from Carol McCloud’s award-winning book,
“Have You Filled a Bucket Today?”According to the book,
School is,“Filling Buckets One Student at a Time.”The phrase	As always, I would like to thank our community, parents, and friends for their continued support of our school. Contact me at
“bucket fillers” say and do nice things and help fill people’s	494-1220 ext. 1005, or email bmeister@bbschools.org. emotional buckets with positive feelings, while “bucket dippers”
treat others hurtfully and leave them feeling sad and empty.

10 Byron-Bergen Central School District

Spring 2016

2016-17 Universal Prekindergarten

The Byron-Bergen School District plans to once again offer a half-day Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) program for the 2016-17 school year.The classes will be held at the Byron-Bergen Elementary School, located at 6971 West Bergen Road, Bergen, New York 14416.

Students eligible for the program must turn 4 years of age by Dec. 1, 2016. If you have an eligible child and are interested in having him/her attend our UPK program, please send
a letter of interest with your child’s name, parents’ names, address, phone number, and birth date to: Elementary School Principal Brian Meister, 6971 West Bergen Rd., Bergen, New York 14416, by Friday,April 8, 2016. Parents who have already contacted the Elementary School by phone still need to send a letter to be eligible for UPK. Please note that if we receive more applications than our allowed capacity, we will select students using a lottery system.

What are the program goals of UPK at Byron-Bergen?

• To meet the NYS learning standards by using a curriculum that is thematically-based and supported using literature, songs, and exploration.

• To foster an environment that promotes happy,confident children who are willing to take risks, make independent choices, and ask questions.

• To create an inclusive community that builds upon a student’s strengths and accommodates his/her needs.

Philosophy of UPK

The UPK program at Byron-Bergen is focused on socialization, and learning through play and self-exploration. Children learn in a hands-on learning environment, which includes activities, learning centers, concrete materials, and manipulatives.The learning environment is also nurturing, enriching, challenging, and developmentally appropriate.

2016-17 Kindergarten Registration

Children who will be 5 years of age, on or before
Dec. 1, 2016, are eligible for entrance to kindergarten in September of 2016. New families in the school district should notify the school as soon as possible if they have a child who is qualified to enter kindergarten this fall.

Please contact the Byron-Bergen Elementary School Office by calling Becky Kelly at 494-1220, ext. 1301. Parents can send the required registration information (see list below) to the Byron-Bergen Elementary School, 6971 West Bergen Road, Bergen, New York 14416.

All children registering for kindergarten will be scheduled for a screening appointment this summer.The results
of this screening will be used to plan for the 2016-17 kindergarten program.

The following items are necessary to complete the registration process:

1. Your child’s Birth Certificate.

2. Certificate of Immunization—New York State law requires that every child entering school must have received a minimum of three doses of diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine (DPT) and three doses of polio (IPV) vaccine. It is also mandated that each
child must have received one MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and a second dose by age 7; three doses of Hepatitis B; and one dose of varicella (chickenpox), and a second dose by age 7.Those children born
on or after Jan. 1, 2008, must have four doses of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV).Their immunizations must be completed prior to entering school.

3. Proof of Residency—If this is the first time you have a child entering Byron-Bergen CSD, please bring proof of residency to your screening appointment. This can be a copy of your mortgage statement, rental/lease agreement or a copy of your tax bill.

For more information or to register your child, please contact:
Becky Kelly, Elementary School Secretary (585) 494-1220 ext. 1301

Information may also be sent to: Byron-Bergen Elementary School 6971 West Bergen Road Bergen, New York 14416

Home of the Bees 11

their age face this daunting

Athletic Department Highlights

At the end of each sport season, the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) honors those teams that excel
in the classroom.To receive this honor, a minimum number of team members must achieve a scholastic average of 90 or above during their sport season. Congratulations to the following Byron-Bergen athletes:

Girls Cross	Girls Volleyball Country               95.550 team average
92.508 team average	Catherine Brumsted Siomara Caballero             Lauren Burke
Reanne Dressler	Leah Catalino Emily Gonyea               Bethany Ezard Anna Hersom          Madison Farnsworth
Alexandria Loewke	Kaitlyn Harder Ashley Montgomery            Cora Ivison
Brittney Rada	 Joelle Meister Alexa Strzelecki

Girls Soccer 92.186 team average Melissa MacCowan Morgan Fuller Makenzie Muoio Kelsey Fuller Hailey Hubbard Grace Campbell Karson Richenberg Leah Thompson Alexandria Rosse Allison Kropf Olivia Audsley Kelsey Maurer

Individual varsity athletes carrying over a 90 grade point average (GPA):

Boys Cross	Boys Soccer Country                    Brandon Burke
Kolbi Brew	Matt Drake Aaron Buckland                Chase Felton
Justin Hannan	Jordan Miller Zach Hannan

Football Cameron Brumsted
Rider Farnsworth Thomas Lambert Adam Walter

We have the power tochange theworld

Students try to imagine
carrying heavy containers
of water over long distances.
Many Ugandan children
Students at Byron-Bergen Elementary School recently hosted representatives from the Ugandan Water Project.A humanitarian organization headquartered in Bloomfield, N.Y., it works with communities in Africa to provide safe, accessible drinking water.The assembly began with joyful Ugandan folk music played by the Project’s Executive Director James Harrington, and a chance for children to try out traditional dance steps. Students then experienced what it is like to try to carry a 40- to 50-pound container of water—a task faced by many Ugandan children who live over an hour from their water source. Harrington then spoke about their water projects, over 250 currently, and
task every day.
demonstrated how something as simple as a small filter can make unsanitary water safe to drink.

After learning how precious water is to children and families in Uganda, students took on the challenge to help raise funds to install a rainwater collection system
at a school there.The system will serve a community of almost 400 people for up to 35 years.With their fundraising efforts, our students are helping to change lives. The connection between Byron-Bergen
and Uganda began last year with a Students shake their tail feathers as	chance meeting between Harrington and part of a traditional Ugandan dance.        third-grade teacher Lynnette Gall.Thanks

to our Character Education Committee and teachers, the concept of water as a valuable resource has been incorporated into studies of world culture, geography, and science. Students are learning how water is used, where water comes from, about the water cycle, and the problems caused by unequal distribution of water around the world.

The Ugandan Water Project (www.ugandanwaterproject.com) works with over 200 communities in Uganda.Their water solutions include rainwater collection systems, well repair and water purification systems.

“It is just as important to us to help kids here in Byron-Bergen see how powerful they are; how every one of them is capable of changing the world, as it is to bring safe drinking water to villages in Uganda,” said Harrington.“Our purpose is to help kids grow on both continents.”

Special water filters can purify otherwise undrinkable water. Students and their teachers join Ugandan Water Project Executive Director James Harrington in sampling clean, safe filtered water.

12 Byron-Bergen Central School District

Spring 2016 Harlem Globetrotter Zeus McClurkin wows young fans

The special student/teacher jazz quintet played the familiar theme song “Sweet Georgia Brown.”As Harlem Globetrotter Zeus McClurkin entered Byron-Bergen Elementary School’s packed gymnasium on Jan. 28, hundreds of excited students burst into ground-shaking applause.The basketball superstar surprised everyone, including the band members, by skillfully taking over the drums to bring the Globetrotters’ song to a show-stopping finale.“In my two years with the Harlem Globetrotters, this is the very first time I’ve had ‘Sweet Georgia Brown’ played live,” said an impressed McClurkin.“I had to be part of it.”

It was the first of many surprises during the visit. McClurkin visited the school to talk about CHEER™ for Character, the Globetrotters’ character education program.The program targets young people and focuses on the character traits of cooperation, healthy mind and body, effort, enthusiasm, and responsibility. It was a perfect tie-in to the Byron-Bergen

Central School District’s own emphasis on character building.

McClurkin shared a little of the Harlem Globetrotters 90-year history and his own personal story. Perseverance finally earned him a spot on his high school basketball team, after being passed over for years. He advised his youthful fans to never give up on their dreams. He shared that people often told him that he “smiled too much” and was “just too nice to succeed.” Not so, he told his audience. Now he works for an organization that is all about helping people and promoting good humor and character, and he travels around the world doing it.

Students were treated to a demonstration of classic Globetrotters ball handling and slam dunks by McClurkin, who actually holds the Guinness World Record for most slam dunks in one minute (15). He invited volunteers to try a few signature moves, and in the process, proved they are not easy by any means.

Harlem Globetrotter Zeus McClurkin encourages Byron-Bergen Elementary School students to value the character traits of cooperation, healthy mind and body, effort, enthusiasm, and responsibility.

The Elementary School Student Council, the Byron-Bergen STEP Boosters, and teacher Ken Rogoyski arranged the Globetrotter’s visit, with the support of the whole community.The band, directed by music teacher Bob Lancia, included students Angelique Heick and Corden Zimmerman, along with elementary school teacher Amber Taylor-Burns and high school teacher Kevin Bleiler.

WNY Tech Academy News By Tom Schulte, Principal

One of the critical goals of the WNY Tech Academy is to expose our students to as many work-based learning experiences as possible. Since our fall update in Focal Point, our tenth-grade team has spent time at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) learning about semiconductors.We welcomed Mike Guidash, the holder of 78 patents in the area of CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) Image Sensors. If you have a camera on your cell phone, it is using at least one of his patents.We were also honored to host Paul Grefrath from Hunter’s Landing who supported our team’s physical education project on archery.

Through the efforts of Mariah LaSpina, our physical education teacher, we will be engaging in a collaborative research study with The College at Brockport. The focus will be on the development

of Student Designed Games (SDG) in a project-based learning setting.We are
incredibly excited about this partnership. It not only supports our efforts to build engaging, collaborative, project-based learning experiences for our students, it will also allow the WNY Tech Academy to challenge new teachers to embrace the project-based learning model. Stay tuned for more information on this exciting work.

In our applied math course, teacher Joel May is wrapping up his projectile motion project which was designed collaboratively with LaSpina’s archery project.As a final assessment, students will be expected to determine how
high above the target bullseye they need to aim to allow gravity to move the arrow into the bullseye.An upcoming project will engage students in a study of wind energy.

Our students learning about semiconductors at RIT’s lab.

Given that we have now moved into 2016, efforts are underway to identify our next cohort of students. I will be pushing into eighth-grade English classes in the coming weeks to speak to students about our program. If you know of a student who is interested in
our program or wants more information, please contact me directly through
email tschulte@wnytechacademy.org, or by phone at (585) 494-1220 ext. 3137. Information can also be obtained through the Jr./Sr. High School Counseling Office.

Home of the Bees 13

and light

SAVE THE DATE!

The 2016 Buzzin’ Bistro Jazz Night & Art Show
with guest artist Johnny Cummings

Friday, April 22

6:30 p.m.

in the Jr./Sr. High School Cafeteria

Sub Meals
In addition to a performance by Johnny Cummings, the event will feature our
Byron-Bergen Art Show along with refreshments	performances by students in grades 5-12,

available for	faculty members, and community musicians.

purchase.	Sponsored by the Byron-Bergen Music Department, Art Department, & Music Boosters

Pesticide Application Notice

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

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

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

If so, please visit the employment section of our website at www.bbschools.org and complete the non-instructional application (teacher aide or office aide), 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.

Byron-Bergen Alumni Hall of Fame

Byron-Bergen Central School District is once again sponsoring an Alumni Hall of Fame, an initiative that started 12 years ago to provide our students with positive role models and
to challenge their imaginations. The Hall of Fame recognizes the accomplishments of graduates of the Byron-Bergen School District or its component schools before consolidation.

The Hall of Fame is housed in the Jr./Sr. High School adjacent to the auditorium and consists of plaques honoring the inductees and their accomplishments. An induction ceremony and reception for new inductees will be held in the
2016-17 school year.

The nomination form (on page 15) should be returned to Patty Gunio, Secretary to the Superintendent, by the first
Monday in April. Nominations will remain active for three years after submittal and nominees must have graduated at least 15 years ago. Up to four Hall of Fame inductees will be selected this year.

Consider nominating a worthy graduate of our system. By doing so, you honor the accomplishments of Byron-Bergen alumni and provide our students with positive role models through the personification of the outcomes provided by solid educational preparation.

14 Byron-Bergen Central School District

Spring 2016

Byron-Bergen Central School District Alumni Hall of Fame Nomination Form

Nominee Information: Please provide the below information about the person you wish to recommend for the Byron-Bergen Alumni Hall of Fame.

Name: _________________________________________________________________Year of Graduation: ______________

Address:__________________________________________________________________________________________________ Street	City	State	Zip Code

Home Phone #: (____) ________________________	Work or Cell Phone #: (____) ________________________

Is Nominee: 0living	0deceased

Briefly describe those achievements, accomplishments or contributions that cause you to nominate the individual named above for Alumni Hall of Fame recognition.You may add additional pages, newspaper clippings, or other supporting evidence if you so desire. Please include

accomplishments in the following areas:

• School Contributions/Activities while at Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr.High School • Subsequent Contributions to Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr.High School
• EducationalAchievements

• Job RelatedAchievements

• Professional Honors andAwards • ProfessionalAffiliations
• Community/Civic Involvement

• Other

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

If possible, please list other people to serve as resources for Byron-Bergen staff to research additional Nominee information:

Name: ____________________________________________ Daytime Phone #: (____) ________________________

Name: ____________________________________________ Daytime Phone #: (____) ________________________

Person Submitting Nomination:

Name: ____________________________________________ Daytime Phone #: (____) ________________________

Address:__________________________________________________________________________________________________ Street	City	State	Zip Code

Please return this completed form by the annual nomination deadline (first Monday in April) to:

Byron-Bergen Central School District District Office - Attn.: P. Gunio 6917 West Bergen Road Bergen, NY 14416

Home of the Bees 15

Superintendent Jon Hunter, Ed.D.

Board of Education Debra List, President

Yvonne Ace-Wagoner, Vice President

William Forsyth Tammy Menzie Amy Phillips
Jennifer VanValkenburg Vacant Seat

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

Byron-Bergen School District 2016 Voter Information

Board of Education Petitions Available Notice is hereby given to elect three members of the Board of Education to 3-year terms to begin on July 1, 2016 and expire on June 30, 2019 to succeed Yvonne Ace-Wagoner, Amy Philips and Jennifer VanValkenburg whose terms expire on June 30, 2016, and one member of the Board of Education to complete the 3-year term of Daniel Ireland, who resigned from the Board effective February 1, 2016, to begin on July 1, 2016 and expire on June 30, 2017.

To run for the Board of Education, you must be a citizen of the United States, a resident of the District for 30 days preceding the vote, and at least 18 years of age. In order to be placed on the ballot, potential candidates must return a petition with a minimum of 25 signatures of District voters and return the petition to Jadwiga Syfert, District Clerk, by 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday,April 19, 2016. Petitions are
available in the District Office and questions on this process can be directed to Ms. Syfert by calling 494-1220 ext. 2529.

Absentee Ballots
Applications for absentee ballots will be available from the District Clerk onWednesday,April 20, 2016. If an
application needs to be mailed to the voter, the Clerk must receive the completed request form no later than 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 10. Call (585) 494-1220 ext. 2529 with questions.

Thursday, March 17, 2016
Draft Budget reviewed with public input opportunity

Tuesday,april 19, 2016 Board Candidate Petitions due to the
District Clerk by 3:30 p.m.

april, 2016
Final draFT BudgeT presenTed To The Board oF educaTion For adopTion Date and location to be announced.

april-May 2016
Budget presentations to public groups.

May 2016
puBlic BudgeT presenTaTion and MeeT The Board candidaTes Date and location to be announced.

Tuesday, May 17, 2016 BudgeT and proposiTion VoTe, and
Board candidaTe elecTion 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
High School Wrestling/Fitness Room

Visit the B-B webpage to take the 2016-17 Budget Development Survey

16 Byron-Bergen Central School District