SUPERINTENDENT'S MESSAGE
The month of October brings several opportunities for families to reconnect with one another, from taking walks, to drinking apple cider, to watching football games, to carving jack-o’-lanterns. The history of jack-o’-lanterns originated in Ireland as a means of keeping spooky people/spirits away from the home. The first vegetables to be used for this purpose were large potatoes and turnips, two staple crops grown in Ireland. As the tradition was passed on to the Americas, we began using pumpkins because of their size and the fact that they were a native crop that was harvested in mid to late fall. Today, carving pumpkins is one of those fall activities that can lend itself to helping us all decompress. Sitting with loved ones, painting or cutting out a jack-o’-lantern, not only encourages our creativity but also allows for time to get off of the screens and actually engage in real conversation with our kids. And in an era of so much of our life being “on-the-go” why not take a moment to ‘carve out’ some family time? Even if you are not a fan of pumpkins, fall still provides opportunity for some downtime… maybe a walk through the woods to enjoy the fall foliage is more your style. Whatever it is, make it happen. I think we have all learned over the past eighteen months that life is too short to not take time for a moment to “just be.” Happy Fall!
~Margo Martin
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CAPITAL PROJECT UPDATE
Public Information Session - Monday, Nov. 8 - 6pm in STEAM
Public Hearing on Captial Project - Monday, Nov. 29 - 6pm in STEAM
Capital Project Vote - Tuesday, Dec. 7 - 12-9pm in District Office
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INFRASTRUCTURE
Necessary infrastructure and repairs to the buildings and grounds. This work includes a new roof for the bus garage, repairs to aging infrastructure within the buildings (i.e the main water pipe in the Jr-Sr High School), and pavement work to various parking lots and sidewalks.
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ATHLETIC FACILITIES
For several years the district has discussed the need to upgrade its athletic facilities to ensure the safety and well-being of the students. Renovations at Ross Field will address the drainage issues, aging outbuildings, and use of the athletic facility for several sports teams, from youth level up through the varsity level, while addressing the present safety issues with the playing surface itself. The proposed work includes installing new drainage, leveling the field, a new lighting system, and replacing the surface with artificial turf that can withstand use by football, soccer and softball (boys’ and girls’ teams alike). The present press box, bathrooms and concession stand will be replaced. Finally, the baseball field at the elementary school will also be renovated.
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STEAM EXPANSION
Research has shown that the sooner you can get students excited about science and math, the more likely they are to stay involved in those subjects throughout junior and senior high. Renovating the elementary school basement will allow for the expansion of the STEAM initiative with a new science learning center. In keeping in line with the District Vision to “Ignite the passion for learning and inspire unique pathways to success” this space will get our youngest learners engaged and passionate about the world around them. Students will utilize the inquiry process to learn to problem-solve scientific challenges while “getting their hands dirty” with cool, innovative projects.
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WHY SCIENCE?
At GES our goal is to build a love and a passion for science within our student body. In our NYS curriculum science is a bit of an afterthought. We are looking to change this paradigm at GES. When children move to the middle-school level, a burning curiosity about science should be present. This is simply what we are trying to produce. When our children have the opportunity to solve real problems each day they attend science, we will infect them with a curiosity and passion that should lead to students who are enthusiastic about scientific exploration and chasing down their curiosities. When you have a chance, ask your sons and daughters about how they feel about science at GES.
The goal for the program is that kids have the opportunity to participate in hands-on experiments each and every time they set foot in our science spaces. To accomplish this goal our capital project will be designed to enhance our science offerings and arm students with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and a true love for science. When we are finished with this project, our elementary scientist development program will be second to none.
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STEAM UPDATE
We are excited that our STEAM students have been able to get back out in the community to visit local businesses and see their industries in action. So far this year, our Building Trades program toured Gutchess Lumber and will be visiting Best Way Lumber in the next month. They have also been busy working on the greenhouse construction. Our Agriculture students toured Cornell's Game Farm and hosted a Reptile Day. They will be visiting Morrisville's Ag Program next week. Computer Science students toured C & D Assembly. Lastly, our Communications & Media Arts students are working on designing a logo for a new Groton business. Students interested in the upcoming Health Sciences program will have an opportunity to attend Ithaca College's Healthcare Expo next month.
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ART STUDENTS OF THE MONTH |
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Michaela Canady, 10
Skeleton in Charcoal
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Addilyn Sommer, 8
& Joslyn Staton, 8
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Oliver Garrity, 5
"Haunted Clock Tower"
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Nattalie Lombardi, 5
"Farmer Joe"
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MATH IN THE REAL WORLD
3rd Grade - Students are designing their own zoo which requires them to create a map using coordinates as well as determine the area and perimeter of each animal's pen. The students will also add, subtract, and multiply fractions to determine how much food and medicine animals will need. Students will create an information poster for their zoo as well.
4th Grade - Students will be managing their own bank account. They will be performing operations with multi-digit numbers to do so and even taking a look at how income tax works. Students will make a bulletin board of their budget.
5th Grade - Students will be studying the solar system and each planet's distance from the sun and each planet's diameter. They will convert kilometers to centimeters and then create a diorama representing the solar system.
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PODCAST COMING SOON...
The "We Are Groton" Podcast will be a bi-weekly show from the new sound studio in the Groton STEAM Lab. The topics we cover will be random, but they will fall into one of the following categories: "Faculty Focus" will have the opportunity for our community to "meet" our administration, faculty, and staff. Our "Student Spotlight" will offer opportunities for students to share projects, successes, thoughts, and highlights of some of the amazing people we have within our walls. Our "Community Connections" will offer a community voice where we can share community events, introduce local community businesses and voices, and strengthen connections between our school and the Groton community. Finally, "All Good Things" allows us to shine a focus on all of the good things happening on a regular basis here at Groton. Academics, clubs, sports, and other meaningful activities can be showcased. Mr. Levick will host the show and each episode will be approximately five minutes in length. Stay tuned for the first broadcast, coming soon!
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HOMECOMING
Join us tonight for the Homecoming game - kick-off is at 7pm! Come cheer on our Section IV Class D Division Champs and undefeated varsity football team as they take on the Moravia Blue Devils! Let's Go Groton!
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NURSE'S NOTE
Reminder: Please do not send your children to school if they are displaying COVID-19 symptoms (fever of 100.4 or higher, cough, headache, sore throat, running nose, etc.). Regardless of vaccination status, students with COVID-19 symptoms cannot return to school unless they have a negative test result (or note from the doctor stating their test result was negative) AND have been symptom-free for 24 hours. Otherwise, they are out of school for 10 days from when symptoms began.
NEW: Tompkins County Department of Health Update
Regardless of vaccination status, siblings of 'symptomatic students who are sent home from school' do NOT need to be sent home with the symptomatic sibling UNLESS they too are showing symptoms. If a family member does test positive, unvaccinated family members will be required to quarantine.
Recommendation: For those who are vaccinated and exposed, although you do not have to quarantine, it is recommended to get tested 3-5 days after the exposure.
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COUNSELOR'S CORNER
Kerin Schmid, counselor for grades 10-12 pushed into 11th-grade classes to help students find their "Personality Compass". Each direction identified strengths and weaknesses that students discussed and evaluated within their group. Based on these discussions, students brainstormed jobs that would be suitable for their group and later this year they will dive deeper into career research to identify jobs that best fit their personalities. 12th-grade lessons focused more on the college application process, the importance of recommendations and extracurricular activities, and stress management strategies. Families also had the opportunity to attend the Financial Aid Night for assistance in completing the FAFSA.
FAFSA
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is more important than ever so be sure to complete your application today. College is expensive, don't miss out. Aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis so don't delay, get your aid today!
COLLEGE VISITS
College representatives will be visiting, sign up with Ms. Schmid:
- November 2 - SUNY Delhi (9am)
- November 2 -SUNY Oneonta (1:30pm)
- November 9 - SUNY Oswego (12pm)
NY Project Hope
A program of the Office of Mental Health has pooled together resources to help us all navigate the mental and emotional challenges caused by the pandemic. Please check out this great resource for further support:
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GROTON CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
WWW.GROTONCS.ORG
400 PERU ROAD, GROTON, NY 13073
(607) 898-5301
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