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GROTON MONTHLY
GROTON CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
E-NEWSLETTER
MAY 2022
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IMPORTANT REGENTS TEST DATES | |
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MORNING EXAMS
START @ 8:15AM
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AFTERNOON EXAMS
START @ 12:15PM
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June 15 - English
June 16 - Algebra I
June 17 - Global II
June 21 - Geometry
June 22 - Algebra II
June 23 - Physics
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June 15 - Living Environment
June 16 - Chemistry
June 17 - Earth Science
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SUPERINTENDENT MESSAGE
As we approach the end of the year, I can’t help but think about what the months of May and June mean. The western calendar was built off of the Ancient Roman calendar which had twelve months, but only recognized March through December because the winter time was viewed as a “dead zone” when there was little to no activity within the ancient Roman military.
Like many of the months, May and June were named after ancient Roman goddesses - Maia, who oversaw the growth of plants, and Juno, the patroness of marriage and women. (Is it any wonder June is one of the most popular months for weddings?)
But May and June carry much greater meaning within our school system. It is the time of year that final projects and units are introduced, as students focus on the last ten weeks of learning before some much needed downtime over the summer. Like the ancient world, it is the time of year that outdoor activity revitalizes from the “dead of winter,” as we see the start of baseball, softball and track seasons for all ages, community members outside for walks and runs, and families enjoying some time together at the park. It is the time for state testing in grades 3-8, where we measure student growth in learning and use that data to drive future instructional decisions that will best meet the needs of our kids.
Modern terminology would call these months “crunch time” within the school system, where the final push is made to get students to a level of performance where they can demonstrate academic success for the year. But it is also a time of transition… from spring to summer when the sun’s rays travel their longest path through the sky and we enjoy the longest amount of daylight for the year. Finally, according to the Farmer’s Almanac, it is the time of the summer solstice, where we are reminded “to turn inward and find the nourishment needed to grow and evolve.” May we all remember that within all this final push to end the year, there is also a great need to take some time for us… a little self care will go a long way towards helping us to the finish line at the end of June!
~Margo Martin, Superintendent
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CAPITAL PROJECT UPDATE
For those of you who have had time to drive past Ross Field, you will see significant progress on the site work being done. Existing buildings have been removed, light poles are in, and drainage work has begun. In addition, contractors have placed orders for the concession stand materials and have a schedule to have the building nearing completion by the beginning of August. We continue to predict long lead times for the bleachers and press box, and, as such, do not have a tentative completion date for those items. A special thank you to John Brehm who is capturing the progress at Ross Field via his drone capabilities! We hope to have a “time capsule” of before and after pictures, as well as a video showing the work progressing, to share with the community upon opening the Ross Field facility this fall.
Phase Two planning is progressing. Initial design drawings are being shared with the District on May 24, at which time we will provide input for the architects to use for revision. Our tentative calendar for completing the design for the Elementary Science Center is September 2022. This will put us in line to have final NYSED approval by January 2023, with a goal of going out to bid by February of 2023. Phase two work is scheduled to begin in April 2023.
Be watching future e-newsletters for updates on the exciting work happening at Groton CSD!
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GROTON CSD NOW HIRING FOR THE
2022-23 SCHOOL YEAR
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The Groton CSD has the following openings for the 22-23 school year.
Work local! save on fuel costs of your vehicle! Have a similar schedule as that of your kids!
If interested, you can print an application from the district website
or come to the District Office to apply.
Bus Driver - Starting Pay: $19.52/hr.
Classroom Aide - Starting Pay: $14.50/hr.
Bus Monitor - Starting Pay: $14.50/hr.
Cleaner (2nd Shift) - Starting Pay $14.50/hr. plus night differential
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WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE MORE INVOLVED? | |
Get involved in your Jr./Sr. High PTO! We are looking for more parents to help. We are in need of people to fill all the officer positions. Want to be involved or know someone who would be a great asset to our kids and school? We hold several events throughout the year to raise money for anything needed to help with the kids. Join us on June 8th from 6:30-7:30 pm in the high school library. One hour can make a big difference! If you can't make it watch for the next upcoming meeting or email Nancy Morey at nmorey@grotoncs.org. | | |
The Groton Elementary School PTO is looking for officers for the upcoming school year, as our current officers are heading out! They're in need of a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. The GPTO fundraises throughout the year to assist the elementary students, faculty, and staff with several events such as Field Days, Graduations, Math & Literacy nights, and more. They hold several events during the school year such as Family Movie Nights, Dances, and Photo Events! If you're interested in becoming an officer or volunteering next year, please reach out to them at gpto@groton.cnyric.org or attend their upcoming meeting on Monday, June 13th, at 6:30pm in room 35 at the Groton Elementary School. | | |
ART STUDENTS OF THE MONTH | |
Hannah Winsor, Kindergarten | |
Kaylyn Doyle, 7th Grade (left) Brooklyn Strange 7th grade (right) | |
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SUMMER ENRICHMENT UPDATE
Thank you to all those who signed up for summer enrichment! We have over 130 students and 20 different programs where we will work to reinforce academic skills through super fun activities and experiences the kids will love! We have emailed and confirmed programming with families so rosters are mostly set and most programs are full, however, we do have a few spots open in several programs. Please see the list below and refer to the enrichment program on the website (or click on the picture) for more details about each program (description, dates, grades). If your son/daughter is interested in any of the following programs please email or call Billie Downs ASAP (bdowns@grotoncs.org or 607-898-4595) - this will be a first-come, first-serve basis for the last remaining spots. Currently, there are a few spots available in Merch Makers, Hiking Adventures, Magic Workshops, Woodworking (July 11-15 only), Construction Kids, Crafty Creations, Lifetime Sports, and Strength & Conditioning programs for grades 9-12.
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PRINCIPALLY SPEAKING
We are nearing the end of another school year. This year has had its own unique and interesting challenges. Just as a reminder to parents and students that Regents Exams will begin on Wednesday, June 15 and go through the following week. Please see our website or email your student’s teachers or guidance counselor if you have any questions regarding these upcoming exams. This will be the first time in three years that the entire battery of exams has been given and if your student is feeling anxious about having to take these exams please do not hesitate to contact us at school so we can help alleviate their anxiety and give them strategies they can use to help them be successful. Within the next couple of weeks Ms. Amodeo will be sending home invitations for students currently enrolled in grades 6-8 to attend our Summer Academy. Letters and phone calls for students in grades 9-12 for registering for summer school will be coming out during the last week of June. I hope everyone is enjoying the warmer weather and longer days!
~Brian Kavanagh, Principal
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FROM EGGS TO CHICKS
Mr. Weeks’ 7th grade Life Science class decided they wanted to try their luck with hatching chicken eggs. Mr. Weeks brought in eggs from his home coop for incubation. Teaching the students how to nurture and maintain life is one of the main purposes of Life Science. Developing and maintaining an appreciation for the complex “Circle of Life” is also one of our main goals in this class. Students were involved in the incubation of the eggs. They needed to understand the delicate balance of temperature and humidity within the the incubator as well as the importance of turning the eggs numerous times each day (just like the mother hen would do). We ended up with 9 healthy chicks and now the students will be involved in maintaining them with continuous heat, food, and water.
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The Interscholastic Athletic Conference has established a “Character Counts” award. One female and one male student-athlete from each charter member's school receives the award annually. The award is presented to the student-athlete that exemplifies exemplary character on and off the field/court. This year our two recipients are Jason Rabenstein and Abby Dykeman. Congratulations to both of them!
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NATIONAL JUNIOR HONOR SOCIETY INDUCTIONS
On May 5th, Mr. Doane, adviser, inducted 19 students into the NJHS. The students are listed below in alphabetical order.
The inductees are Ethan Besler, Evan Besler, Devyn Blasz, Mackanzee Cain, Caleb Cute, Kendall Eldred, Madison Lockwood, Kara Pierce, Madelyn Pitts, Gavi Ray, Eve Shaff, Colson Slade, Noble Snyder, Joslyn Staton, Brooklyn Strange, Bailey Vliet, Riley Vliet and Bryce Wilkinson.
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NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY INDUCTIONS
On May 5th, Mr. Montreuil, adviser, inducted 17 students into the NHS. The students are listed below in alphabetical order.
The inductees are Reagan Allen, Delaney Ayer, Brynn Blasz, Caitlin Bodary, Drew Bush, Megan Cute, Elizabeth Dykeman, Nicholas Gamel, Julez Garcia, Leanna Jackson, Taryn LaTray, Lexie Loveless, Madalyn Perkins, Lia Perreault, Abigail Sill, Jaden Wolf, and Sam Young.
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GROTON DISTINGUISHED GRADUATE HALL OF FAME | | |
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This year's Distinguished Graduate Hall of Fame Inductee is CDR Michael Brown. He was a Groton High School graduate of the Class of 1999. He then received his Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Norwich University. In October 2010, he graduated from the Naval War College as a Gravely Scholar with a Masters of Art in national security & strategic studies. Since then he has served as the weapons officer & engineer on the USS Tucson, was squadron weapons officer at Squadron 16, the Executive Officer of the USS Chicago, a strategic & theater planner, and most recently, he assumed command of the USS Hampton, a Los Angeles Class Fast Attack, nuclear powered submarine homeported at Point Loma in San Diego, California. | Every year members of National Honor Society review the pool of nominations for induction into the Groton Distinguished Graduate Hall of Fame. Once, nominated, a prospective inductee remains in the pool year after year. However, the longevity of the HoF is only ensured by your continued nominations. If you know of a graduate who has gone on to demonstrate outstanding character, contributions to their profession, and/or extraordinary service to their community (Groton or otherwise) please consider nominating them. Please contact Scott Montreuil at smontreuil@groton.cnyric.org for more information and a nomination form (also available on the website). | | |
TC3 COLLEGE GRADUATES
Groton Central School had 10 seniors put in the work for the last 4 years of high school to graduate with their associates degree from Tompkins Cortland Community College. They graduated from college on May 24 and will now finish their senior year in high school and graduate on June 25. We are so proud of all their hard work. We also want to thank Mrs. Carr for all the time she puts in for these students to assure that they stay on track to be eligible to graduate.
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PHILLY FUN AND EDUCATION
The National Junior Honor Society, sophomore Early College High School (ECHS), and college level U.S History students had the opportunity to visit the city of Philadelphia this month. The college students gave a walking tour of the historical sites and mentored the younger students as they transition to high school. Students were given a guided tour of The National Constitution Center and had a Q&A session with a federal judge in Pennsylvania with a focus on freedom of speech. Some of the other highlights of the trip included a tour of Independence Hall, having lunch at Reading Terminal Marketplace, and visiting the Eastern State Penitentiary. Thank you so much to the Board of Education and our administration for their continued support!
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STEAM SHOWCASE
On April 30, 2022 students enrolled in the Groton STEAM programming had an opportunity to showcase some of the work they have been completing throughout the year. They also shared with the public their experiences with the STEAM courses and gave some advice to younger students who were in attendance. Jeter Neff, a senior in the Building Trades program, spoke of the radiant floor heating his class helped install for the Agriculture Greenhouse, the basic plumbing skills they had been learning, their introduction to HVAC work, and some woodworking projects they had done for various community organizations (i.e. repairing Friends of the Library bookcases, building shelves for the 5th Grade Leadership Program, etc.). In addition, the class assisted the Communications and Graphic Design Program in building a sign for The Burger Shack, to include a business logo students in the class had designed. When asked about advice to the next generation of students looking into Building Trades, Jeter said, “They need to come prepared to learn. We do a lot of cool projects, but the learning is pretty technical.”
Students from the Communications and Graphic Design class spoke about the videos they had just completed where they had to incorporate several different camera shots they had been working on in class. Their next project involves making a genre project of their choosing - two students had elected to put together a cooking show, while a third talked about his group’s choice to make a “mockumentary.” All three students spoke about the process for making videos, starting with conceptualization, creating story beats with camera angles and shots, followed by editing and adding audio. The final project of the course will be requiring students to work in teams to create an infomercial for the Groton Health Center to use on its website.
Agriculture and Computer Science students were also present to share their work. In agriculture, students are taking field trips to goat and sheep farms, making products from milk (cheese, etc), and planting seedlings to contribute to an upcoming plant sale. Computer Science students displayed robots they had built and coded within the class, and the public was able to test their own skills for maneuvering the robots around the lab.
In speaking with all the students involved in STEAM, there was consensus about the popularity of the program. The opportunity to complete hands-on projects resonated as a top reason for the high level of student engagement in the STEAM programs. For Braedy Dilger, STEAM has allowed him to work with others and learn more about himself. “I love the whole class,” he said. “It makes me want to improve upon myself and gives me an outlet to express myself. I think everyone should come see what we are doing and get involved in STEAM. The projects we do make the whole class a lot of fun. It’s a lot of work, but we have a lot of fun doing it.”
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The actual sign going on The Burger Shack made by STEAM students. | A student playing with a robot made in Computer Science. | Groton Police Benevolent Association logo workups- Hillari Ninivaggi came to select the designs to move forward for a final logo. | Plants for Farmer’s Market Plant sale. | HVAC repair work in Building Trades. | | |
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This year's NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) Solo Festival was finally in person again! NYSSMA was held on April 29 and 30 at Trumansburg HS. Solo festival is a competition where students get evaluated on their single performance of a solo. The adjudication will give them feedback on their performance as well as qualify these students for an honor ensemble at the county and state levels. Despite all the challenges of COVID and limited instruction time, these students persevered and flourished. Groton took on the challenge and had 28 students in grades 4-11 perform a solo for adjudication. These solos ranged from Level One to All-State. Students worked to prepare the solo in their lessons and on their own in order to record for this event. All of the students involved received a rating in the top two categories. They did an excellent job with their solos and it showed in the judge's comments.
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This year our "whole district combined concerts" took place in May. It was a beautiful showcase of growth for both the Chorus and Band Concerts. These are so special because one is able to see the progression from year to year and gives the elementary students something to look forward to. Bravo everyone!
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Band Day was a huge success! This year all 130 kids in the instrumental program came together to make music and connections. Students at the Elementary school joined the Jr./ Sr. High students for a day filled with performances, small group lessons, and a combined rehearsal. | | |
ELA FUN & LEARNING ALL IN ONE | |
Mrs. Albro's 8th grade ELA students completed projects that allowed student groups to be "teacher for a day" to teach a lesson on literacy elements to their classmates. They had to create learning objectives, a full lesson, an activity and a quiz! They created Kahoots, GimKits, games with whiteboards, exit tickets and even Pictionary and charades to help teach one of the literary elements: Characterization, setting, conflict or tone. It was a fun learning lesson for all! | |
JR HIGH BLACK LIGHT DANCE | |
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Changing the Trajectory of the Future
The COVID period was difficult in America. The impact of this time on the academic trajectory and confidence of students was palpable. As we reflected on the challenges we were presented with in the wake of the pandemic, we kept coming back to the importance of relationships for younger children.
In elementary school, students do not perform for the curriculum or what we plan “for them.” Students perform and give their best effort because of relationships and what we do “with them.” At GES the theme of hard work and fun at school permeates our actions and decisions. Next year we will be putting even more emphasis on “getting them having fun, and tricking them into learning.”
At GES we prioritize your son or daughter working hard, enjoying their peers, and the adults who work in the building. As we look forward to a more “normal year” in 22-23 we intend to pull some of the lessons we learned from the COVID period into our future at GES.
Your son or daughter deserves to have fulfilling, inspiring and motivating relationships with all of our school community members.
We are always concerned about how all children in our school react to their learning. COVID disrupted the familiarity and comfort around many aspects of their lives. When children feel safe and have confidence in the adults around them, some of their worry dissipates as they begin to sink into their work. We find them believing in themselves and their ability to reach their potential begins to rise.
How your child feels matters to us.
Please communicate early and often about your child’s emotional content. Each person has been impacted and responded differently to the past two years. We are working to build a set of experiences that are stimulating and unique for your child. We will do a much better job of this with your assistance. We are not fully aware of all of the changes that affected your family. Parents are a child’s first and often best teacher. Keeping us in the loop on how your child is responding to the assignments and activities teachers develop is a great way to ensure that what is being planned hits the mark.
Don’t live with frustrations.
We are committed to customer service. Your family gives us the privilege of working with your son/daughter for many years. We will honor this gift, without exception. We often say here, ”let’s teach like every parent is in the room with us.” This simple sentence helps to remind us of our professional obligation and the importance of each child to his/her family.
As always, thank you for allowing us to work with your family member(s).
~Kent Maslin, Principal
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Not to be outdone by the high school, the elementary school hatched some ducks. The purpose of this was to expose students to life cycles and the basic needs of living creatures. We started with 12 eggs. One wasn't fertilized and eleven were. The remaining 11 we "candled" and studied (mainly in first grade) the process of the duck developing in the egg. As a school we watched a live stream of them hatching and developing. Six eggs hatched and five didn't. We lost one duckling after about three days. The remaining five are growing so quickly and are still on our youtube livestream called GROTON 4th Think Tank Live Stream https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yfHA9iLo2o | | |
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SPECIAL MAY DAY BASKET DELIVERIES
Mrs. Hathaway's class brought back an old tradition and made May Day baskets and had lots of fun delivering them within the elementary school. The kids enjoyed it and they brought smiles to many employees who were the recipients!
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SCIENCE FUN
On May 5, students from the Groton Elementary School showcased their knowledge of science by participating in the school’s Science Fair. Over 100 students from all grade levels submitted science-based projects on self-selected topics that the public was able to come and enjoy (and learn some new facts about)! Topics ranged from types of flowers to volcanoes, to what makes up human blood to the rain cycle, to the human senses to the function of the human lung. You name it and there was probably a project presented on it! Many of the students attended the fair and were available to answer questions regarding their project. Attendees also got to vote on the Most Creative and Best Overall Presentations, won by Khloe Dravecky and Jenice Bogart, respectively. In speaking with the students, it was apparent many had spent several hours putting together these projects and their efforts were reflected in the project they produced. To recognize this effort, the Groton PTO gave all student attendees and participants a puzzle piece that would count towards the school’s overall math and ELA challenge. Kudos to all those kids who made the time to present and or attend the fair to promote science!!!
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SCIENCE FAIR
MOST CREATIVE SUBMISSION
KHLOE DRAVECKY
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SCIENCE FAIR
MOST CREATIVE SUBMISSION
JENICE BOGART
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BALLOON POWER
Ms. Coon and Ms. Cyphert had 3rd grade students make balloon powered cars during science club. They came up with some different designs and after they were created they were able to have a competition to see which ones would go the farthest. Text Link
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REWARDS FOR GOOD CHARACTERS | |
The Groton Elementary School has their school store up and running again this year. However, it looks a little different from past years. This year, students have the ability to earn character cash instead of actual money to make purchases from the school store. We wanted to continue to build on our character education program and this seemed like the perfect opportunity. When a student is working hard, being kind, helping others, navigating a tough situation, following the rules and/or displaying good character, they earn character cash. They are able to receive character cash from any staff member in the building, not just their classroom teacher. Every Friday, the students are then given the chance to spend their hard earned cash. Items in the store range from lollipops and keychains to extra large pop-its, basketballs and even lunch or a walk with Bumi, our four legged friend. Students are also learning the value of a dollar and working hard as they save up for those bigger priced items. Not only are they feeling a sense of pride in their positive behaviors, but gaining a reward for it too. | |
LEARNING FROM CORNELL GRADUATE STUDENTS | |
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Mrs. O'Brien's class participated in the GRASSHOPR program this month and was lucky to have Kyla O'Hearn who is studying to be an entomologist in their class to teach them how to classify insects. The Graduate Student School Outreach Program (GRASSHOPR) pairs Cornell graduate students with teachers in Tompkins, Ontario, and surrounding counties to teach 3- to 5-session mini-courses on topics related to the graduate student's field or interests. Teachers and graduate students share the benefits of exchanging ideas as they develop a curriculum, while K-12 students experience new mentors eager to share knowledge and excitement about their field of study.
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COUNSELOR'S CORNER:
Greetings Groton Families from Student Services,
In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, we would like to remind you how important it is to take care of your mental health. During the last two years of the pandemic, our global community has experienced a great deal of stress and trauma. This has been a very difficult time in which millions of people's mental health suffered. Feelings of anxiety and depression were quite common. This time period proved especially challenging for students. However, one positive take away was the de-stigmatization of the importance of mental health and well being.
We wish you hope for brighter days ahead. We encourage you to join those beautiful flowers outside as you focus on your mental health and well being. In fact, doing so can be good for you.
Did you know that doctors are actually writing prescriptions for their patients to spend more time in nature? According to research, spending time in nature can help decrease feelings of stress, anxiety and depression. In fact, being outside in nature lowers the level of the stress chemical cortisol. We encourage you to enjoy some healthy activities such as taking a walk, run, or hike, spending time at a park, sitting by a stream or any outdoor area, the possibilities are endless!!
Make it a family activity, and encourage your teen to join. Let them choose the activity, be creative and even have them bring a friend. No matter what activity you choose to enjoy in nature, even if it's a quiet mindful moment, perhaps watching birds fly or listening to water flow from a stream ….enjoy, because you are worth it!!
https://www.newportacademy.com/resources/mental-health/how-nature-supports-teen-mental-health/
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"The Groton CSD recognizes we may have students and families struggling to process the recent tragedy at the elementary school in Texas. To the right are some links for resources available to you to help process the emotions your student and/or family may be experiencing. Please know you can also reach out to your child's school counselor as well." | | |
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STOP MEANS STOP
This is not a suggestion, it is the law.
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MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH
In Honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Ms. Schmid has set up a table every Wednesday during lunch periods in the High School lobby for the month of May. Each week has a different theme, ranging from topics such as Stress Management to Processing Big Life Changes (e.g. Seniors Graduating High School). Students from grades 6-12 have stopped by to discuss the various topics each week, write their favorite inspirational quote to pass onto others, and learn healthy coping strategies. Each year, the conversation will continue to develop with more programming and events during the month of May.
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GROTON CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
WWW.GROTONCS.ORG
400 PERU ROAD, GROTON, NY 13073
(607) 898-5301
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