Cortland Senior High School Community Newsletter
10/31/2017
Upcoming Events
  • 11/1: Matt Bellace Community Forum, 7-9 p.m.
  • 11/4: SAT Exam, 7:45 a.m.-1 p.m.
  • 11/7-11/8: Picture Re-takes
  • 11/9: Half Day for Students, First Marking Period Ends
  • 11/10: Veterans Day, No School for Students
  • 11/17: Parent Teacher Conferences, Report Cards Mailed
  • 11/17-11/18: School Musical, The Secret Garden, 7-9 p.m.
  • 11/20: Harlem Wizards, 7 p.m.
  • 11/22-11/24: Thanksgiving Recess, No School for Students
  • 11/29: Orchestra Concert, 7-9 p.m.
From the Principal: Social Media Safety
As we continue to rely on technology for our day to day functions, the use of social media on our peer interactions becomes more prevalent each day. The way we use social media can have a negative or positive impact on those around us and in our community. It is important that we all use social media responsibly.

The following is an introduction from the article “12 Easy Tips for Using Social Media Responsibly.”

“Before giving your child access to the Internet, social media, or digital devices you want to ensure that they are prepared. As parents and educators, it’s important to teach children that using social media responsibly is one of the first steps to becoming a good digital citizen. Ensuring that students start off on the right foot digitally can prevent them from making serious social media mistakes that could cost them their dream school or career opportunity. So, we asked 12 social media safety experts to share their best tips for students who want to start using social media responsibly.”                                    
Parent Teacher Conferences: November 17th
If you signed up for a parent teacher conference at open house, the date is Friday, November 17th. If you did not sign up for a conference and would like to, please contact the main office at 607-758-4110.

Attendance Matters
Teens who attend school regularly have stronger bonds to their school and are more likely to graduate. Good attendance also creates a habit that can carry over into work later. Consider these tips:
  • Set expectations. Being out for even a day or two a month can hurt your child’s performance. Tell him or her that the only acceptable excuses are illness, family emergencies, or pre-approved college visits.
  • Discuss results. Point out that missing school means he or she will have to make up coursework. Students who fall behind may have to retake courses.
  • Keep in contact. Write notes or call attendance lines for excused absences so the school knows your child is not skipping. If he or she does skip, contact the school so you can create a plan to get him or her back on track.
Instructional Highlights: Music Department News
November is a big month for the Music Department. On November 3 and 4, Cortland Jr/Sr High School will be hosting Jr. High Area All State where 350 students from 40 different school districts will come together to work with expert directors in band, chorus and orchestra. The four ensembles, Concert Band, String Orchestra, Mixed Chorus and Treble Choir, will perform on November 4, at 3:00 in the High School Auditorium. Nine students from Cortland High School have been selected this year:
Concert Band - Katie Phetteplace, Jennifer Newman, Daniel Lemon.
Mixed Chorus - Michael Williams, Jared Smyth, Hunter Sherman, Zachary Michales, Emma Brackett and Catherine Woodard.

The High School musical, The Secret Garden, will run on November 16, 17 and 18. Tickets will be on sale prior to the show for $6 and $8 at the door.

English Department News
Mario Vargas Llosa wrote that the reading of literature is “...an irreplaceable activity for the formation of citizens in a modern and democratic society, a society of free individuals” ( Why Literature?) . He was addressing a truth that teachers of English have always acknowledged - great literature is a pathway to the consideration of important ideas. When our students can experience great texts, they are building a framework for civic engagement and democratic decision-making. The reading of dynamic literature, then, benefits both the individual and society. 

One of the most exciting things about being the English department leader at Cortland Junior Senior High School has been the opportunity I have to see and hear about the important ideas that our students are engaging with through the various pieces of literature that are being read in our English classrooms. Through the works of such masters as William Shakespeare, Edgar Allan Poe, Nathaniel Hawthorne and Harper Lee, our students experience a world of ideas few other avenues of learning will allow. Our students also benefit from reading a host modern texts by authors like Thanhha Lai, Lois Lowry, Esmeralda Santiago, and Forrest Carter. These texts stimulate thinking, enliven discussion, provide challenges, and lead to opportunities for students to show their learning through writing and other means. 

One of the primary jobs of a teacher is to prepare and encourage students to be lifelong learners. A challenging and interesting curriculum that includes the opportunity to read, discuss, and write about ideas of substance offers a pathway to future success for all our students. Vargas closes his defense of reading literature titled “ Why Literature ?” with the following quote: “Reading good literature is an experience of pleasure, of course; but it is also an experience of learning what and how we are, in our human integrity and our human imperfection, with our actions, our dreams, and our ghosts, alone and in relationships that link us to others...” (Vargas). 
-Ed Porter, English Department Chair
Every Student, Every Day: Inspire, Respect, Engage 
Celebrations
  • Thank you Cortland Community! Socks have been rolling in for our “Sock-tober” sock drive. We have met and exceeded our goal of collecting 1000 pairs of socks in the month of October. At the time of this publication, we had over 1300 pairs of socks donated. Awesome! Together we can make a huge difference.
  • Harmony Bridge came to Cortland on October 18, 19 and 20. The primary mission of Harmony Bridge was for elementary, middle, and high school band students to take their musical skills into the community, bring joy to the elderly population in senior care centers, as well as other places of need. Through music performances, conversation, and interaction, the students experienced the power of caring and sharing, while developing an understanding of their own ability to make their community, and the world, a more loving place. Click here to watch a video about the Harmony Bridge experience.
  • We will welcome back Matt Bellace for an assembly and the annual Youth Survey will be given on November 2, 2017 in students’ period 1 classes. The building will use the 2 hour delay bell schedule allowing all classes to meet after the assembly and youth survey. 
  • The school extends a warm welcome to Morgan Serens who has been hired as a Junior High English teacher.
  • Spirit Week and Homecoming weekend was a success! This year's dance had the highest attendance in recent history. This simple information serves as a data point that shows, students are more likely to be involved in school functions due to the fact that they like school. Keep up the good work!
  • James Robinson, Kelsey Carpenter, Kelly O'Kipney, and Abbey Albright visited SUNY Cortland on Wednesday evening for a presentation by Paul Anderson, New York State Geometry Regents test creator. He speaks about the process of creating a Regents exam and how cut scores are determined.
High School News & Notes
  • Parent Portal/Student: The Cortland Junior Senior High School continues to offer a program that allows the parents/guardians of our students to have access to essential information about their child’s work at school. Cortland families will continue to be able to access academic information regarding student progress through the Internet. We have switched to a new student management program called schooltool that includes a Parent and Student Portal. We have been “live” since October 2nd. Please call the main office for more information (607-758-4110).
  • Activity Period: Teachers are available Monday through Thursday each week after school from 2:30 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. During this time, students can see teachers for extra help, study, or to make-up class work.
  • Extended Learning Time: The Cortland Enlarged City School District will again provide separate Academic Tables for the High School. This program is designed to provide a place for your child to get a start on, and help with, their daily homework assignments. Although Extended Learning Time is a scheduled extra-help/tutor time that is available to all students, schools will encourage the participation of students who would benefit for the extra time and support. While homework will sometimes be addressed, that is not the focus of the sessions. The program is designed to help students be successful in their learning. It will run Monday through Thursday afternoon from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Bus passes will be given to all students who wish to take the late bus home. Academic Tables (Extended Learning Time) began on September 25th. The schedule is available online in the Senior High section under the “Helpful Links” tab and will be titled Academic Tables. 
  • Math Help in the Morning! Every day, from 7:15 a.m. until 7:45 a.m., we have a certified math teacher in the Academic Center available for all of your Math needs. The help is offered for any student that may be stuck on a homework problem or has a need to review a concept, or study for a test. Please feel free to stop in the Academic Center before school for any Math questions.
  • Need a Late Bus? Again this year, there will be a 3:15 p.m. bus and two 4:30 p.m. late bus runs (Monday through Thursday). Bus routes and stop times for the High School have been posted on the District website under Transportation. 
  • Athletics: E-Mail Notification of Game Changes - You can "Subscribe to team updates" in Schedule Galaxy and receive an email every time there is a game change, whether due to inclement weather or the need to reschedule a game for any reason. Sign up today for this great feature and be notified of all changes to your team’s schedule. You can also sign up on the district's home page under the "District News - ED Emailer" for email notifications from the Athletic Department or any school events, happenings, etc. 
  • For updated practice and game information go to our Athletic website: http://www.cortlandschools.org/teacherpage.cfm?teacher=1981


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