Cortland Schools
District Newsletter, January 2024
It's a New Year!
From Superintendent Edwards
Dear Cortland City School District Community,
Happy New Year! As we usher in 2024, I hope this newsletter finds you in good health and high spirits. The wonder of a school year is that we have two "new years" - the true start of our school year in September, and then the beginning to our calendar year in January. It is unique and it provides us two opportunities for a fresh start. That said, Happy New Year!
If you had a chance to view our final Weekly Blast of 2023 you will note the many things to celebrate in our schools. Our collective efforts in guaranteeing student learning and achievement while providing a path for social emotional wellbeing are as awesome as ever. And whereas the needs and complexities of all of our lives continue to deepen, our commitments to the journey become more and more cemented. I am appreciative to you all - teachers, parents, staff and students - for your commitment.
One thing I love about January is that it puts June squarely in our sights. And although June is a ways off, it is now time for all of us to zone in on the work ahead. Please enjoy this edition of our newsletter for some highlights and updates for the start of this new year. And while you read through, please keep these two items in mind:
Winter Season Safety Measures (and Emergency Closings):
With the winter season upon us, ensuring the safety and well-being of our students and staff remains our top priority. We continue to monitor weather conditions closely and will communicate any schedule changes promptly. Please stay tuned to our official communication channels for updates regarding school closures or delays due to inclement weather.
In the past few years we have continued to build upon community partnerships to make a comprehensive support system for students. I recently partnered with OCM BOCES and their Community Schools Office. We will be developing programs to add to our menu of options for both intervention and support. Prior to doing so we will be asking for input from parents, staff, students and community members. I anticipate a survey to each stakeholder group coming to you later this month. Please keep your eyes and ears ready for it and, most importantly, please help us gather information by completing it. It will not take very long and your voice matters!
Wishing you the best.
Bob
Winter Weather Protocols
When the winter season is upon us, it is time to think about possible closures and delays due to weather conditions. Our district’s automated calling system will notify families if school is closed or delayed. Please be certain that your phone number is current in our database.
Local news stations will continue to provide weather updates. Stations that carry information about Cortland Schools include WSYR-9, WTVH-5, WSTM-3, News 10 Now, WBNG, WXHC/101.5, and WNTQ/93Q. We also maintain the latest information on our District website: http://www.cortlandschools.org.
In the event of a 2-hour delay, all times are adjusted by 2 hours.
Normal Opening Times
Barry, Smith, and Randall will open to students at 8:10 a.m.
The Junior High and High School will be open at 7:00 a.m. Homeroom will then begin at 7:38 a.m.
Morning bus routes run on a two-hour delay. For example, if the bus typically arrives at your stop at 7:00 a.m., it will arrive at 9:00 a.m.
For students who regularly participate in the CDC Morning Childcare Program, the students may be dropped off at their normal start time of 6:45 a.m.
Check out the Season's Greetings Video Blast!
News from the District Nurses
Tips to try to avoid getting sick during the winter season:
- Frequent handwashing
- Avoid contact with people who are sick
- Cover your mouth and nose when you need to cough
- Get plenty of sleep
- Eat well-balanced meals
- Stay active, try to get some fresh air.
We wish you all a very Happy New Year!!!!
News from the High School
From Principal Mack
Embrace the New Year with a Fresh Start: Setting the Stage for a Year of Growth and Success
As the clock strikes midnight and the calendar flips to a new year, people around the world are filled with hope and excitement for what lies ahead. New Year's Day symbolizes a fresh start, a chance to leave behind the challenges and disappointments of the past and embrace a future filled with endless possibilities. It serves as a catalyst for personal growth, self-improvement, and the pursuit of dreams. With the dawn of the new year, individuals are propelled into action, eager to make positive changes in their lives. The concept of a fresh start resonates deeply with many, as it represents an opportunity to reflect on the past, learn from experiences, and set new goals. Whether it's adopting healthier habits, pursuing a new career path, nurturing relationships, or embarking on a journey of self-discovery, the new year offers a blank canvas upon which individuals can paint their aspirations. Experts believe that the key to making the most of this new beginning is to approach it with intention and focus. Rather than simply making resolutions that often fade away within a few weeks, individuals are encouraged to set realistic goals and develop actionable plans to achieve them. By breaking down larger objectives into smaller, manageable steps, the path to success becomes clearer and more attainable. To assist individuals in their pursuit of a fresh start, many resources and tools are available. From self-help books and online courses to mentorship programs and support groups, there is no shortage of guidance to help navigate the journey towards personal transformation. Communities, organizations, and even nations also embrace the concept of a new beginning, using it as an opportunity to address societal issues, implement positive change, and foster unity. From charity initiatives and eco-friendly campaigns to political reforms and peace-building efforts, the new year inspires collective action, reminding us of our shared responsibility to create a better world. As the first day of the new year dawns, let us embrace the opportunity for a fresh start. Whether it is through personal growth, achieving dreams, or contributing to a larger cause, the possibilities are limitless. Let us seize the moment, set our intentions, and work together to make this year a year of growth, success, and positive transformation. The power to shape our future lies within every one of us, and the time to act is now.
News from the Junior High
From Principal Zarcone
It’s a New Year; Have Hope and be Optimistic
We sometimes look for natural breaks to start over or make a change. That could be a Monday, a new month, or a new season…
There is nothing better than the start of a New Year! Start your 2024 with Hope and Optimism. There are always going to be tough times but if we focus on the positive possibilities, it is more likely that positivity will happen around us. Have hope and be optimistic when faced with situations.
Here are some quotes that our students will hear in the new year with their daily dose of Vitamin Z:
*Don’t confuse your path with your destination. Just because it’s stormy now doesn't mean that you aren’t headed for sunshine.
*Overthinking is the biggest cause of our unhappiness. Keep your mind off things that don’t help you. Be optimistic.
From the Cortland Junior High Family to yours, Happy New Year! Let’s make it the best one ever.
News from Randall Middle School
From Principal Quinn
Each week at Randall Middle School, we explore a different Positivity Project (P2) character strength. The first week in January 2024, our character strength is Hope/Optimism. What does hope mean? The P2 learning target associated with this week is “We expect the best from the future and work to achieve it.” People who focus on growing with this character strength are future oriented. They try to maintain a positive vision of what the future holds and maintain confidence that they will get there, despite setbacks. Many times people who have a strong sense of hope and optimism find ways to convert what seems like an obstacle into a stepping-stone to achieve their goals. Here at Randall Middle School, our ultimate goal (our mission) is high levels of learning for all students and adults. This means high levels of academic, social, and emotional learning. By expecting the highest levels of learning for our students and staff, we are able to look ahead to all that we will accomplish by being hopeful and optimistic. “Man often becomes what he believes himself to be. If I keep on saying to myself that I cannot do a certain thing, it is possible that I may end up really becoming incapable of doing it. On the contrary, if I have the belief that I can do it, I shall surely acquire the capacity to do it even if I may not have it at the beginning.” ~Mahatma Gandhi
May we all begin the New Year with fresh hope and optimism at all that we can accomplish simply by believing that we can!
News from Smith Intermediate School
From Principal Block
The music of hope is everywhere. All you have to do is listen for it.
Our 3rd and 4th grade Smith students had their winter concerts in December. They sang, played musical instruments, and danced. Their voices spread the message of hope and joy for all during the holiday season.
Mrs. Shelley, Mr. Murray, and Mrs. Capano led our students with pride. The day before break they also shared their musical talent with us as they sang carols in the hallway for all to hear, with Mrs. Buchalla singing and Mrs. Ryon playing the flute. The day before the break began, everyone in the building went to the gym to sing carols together. It was beautiful and magical! Happy New Year to all!
News from Barry Primary School
From Principal Klumpp
At Barry Primary, our school community is on a shared mission to cultivate a profound sense of hope and a genuine love for learning in every moment. Our students, with their boundless curiosity and spirited exploration, are the heart of this endeavor. They are encouraged to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, set and celebrate achievable goals, and collaborate with their peers in the joyful journey of discovery. Our dedicated staff members, the nurturing backbone of our school, work tirelessly to create a warm and welcoming environment where each student feels valued and supported. With innovative teaching methods and individualized care, our educators model a contagious enthusiasm for learning. Families, crucial partners in this shared journey, play a vital role by fostering positive learning environments at home, celebrating their children's achievements, and engaging in open communication with teachers. Together, through community building and continuous improvement, we weave a tapestry of hope and lifelong love for learning that defines the spirit of Barry Primary.
Lego League
Celebrating robotics, principles of design, and creativity, the Cortland Jr-Sr High School LEGO League team is excited to participate in our second-ever season! On Saturday, January 20th our crew of ten students' grades 7-12 and their coach Jon Herr will participate in the Regional Qualifier against twelve other teams in the BOCES area held right here in Cortland! The winners of this Qualifier move on to a Regional Finals in Buffalo to compete against the best teams in Western and Central NY.
LEGO League is a team-based robotics contest where every team has to compete and earn points solving a series of customized and themed LEGO-designed challenges. For example, with this year’s theme being “MASTERPEICE”, LEGO designed many STEM-in-art themed challenges such as setting a stage with concert lighting, moving a film camera on a movie studio, and turning on a 3D movie. It is up to the team to find solutions to each challenge – in some cases going beyond the designed solutions. Each team has two and a half minutes to solve as many as they can during the competition and to earn as many points as they can – all while earning additional points for robot design and teamwork/ comradery. Last, each team must show what they designed for their “MASTERPIECE” and show how it applies to STEM and art during an interview with a panel of judges. Last year our crew finished second in points and narrowly missed out on moving on to the Buffalo completion – but this year Coach Herr and the students are excited to take their previous experience and build a winner!
If anyone is interested in volunteering during the LEGO League event being held at McEvoy BOCES here in Cortland, please sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScmDsx0Gxpem1U49cyblb88W5IjoHYiw7Ol9q2X_GGrYXga9g/viewform?pli=1
Winter Concert Season was Amazing!
Congratulations to all the musicians who performed in a concert in December! It was a beautiful showing of all ages and musical groups.
The Music Boosters and Tri-M will be hosting an Arts and Talent Showcase on March 8th. If you know of someone at the Junior Senior High School who has a talent that should be showcased, please contact Ms. Miller at rimiller@cortlandschools.org
Choirs have a lot happening this month. Members of Concert Choir will be singing in a Community Music Celebration on Sunday, January 7th at 3 pm at the Cortland United Presbyterian Church joining performing ensembles from around the county. In addition to performing a selection of their own, choir members will join a large community choir performing a piece composed by Sam Forcucci, a local legend in music who served in WWII, taught music at SUNY Cortland and was at one time our Mayor.
The following weekend Cortland High School will host an all county-choir festival that will include more than 30 of our junior and senior high singers. The concert will be held at 2 pm on January 13th.
Modern Band is back at it again with another show on January 18th in the band room at the JSHS at 6:30 pm. This time out we’re featuring our 8th grade bands with healthy support from some high school bands as well.
Finally on February 2nd & 3rd, choir members Gia Perfetti and Braxton Towle will participate in Senior High Area All-State at Ithaca College joining the finest young musicians in Central NY.
PS I Love You Day
We have begun our major fundraiser with our t-shirts. In junior and senior high homerooms students can get an order form for our bi-annual t-shirt fundraiser. The theme this year is “Love is Meant to be Given”. Our shirts are $15 each and have been designed by our PS I Love You student representatives. This day is meant to bring awareness to suicide prevention and spread the message of love and kindness. If you wish to purchase a shirt to wear on February 9, 2024, please contact Kelly Chapman (kchapman@cortlandschools.org) and return the form and money by January 10.
Members of the community are welcome and encouraged to purchase our shirts or simply wear purple to spread our message. We’ll have more information on this day in the February newsletter!
Family Literacy Night
Please join the Barry Pre-K and kindergarten teachers to learn about the Science of Reading and how we use it to teach your children to become readers!
It’s an evening of learning, laughter and literacy!
Barry Primary Gymnasium
Tuesday, January 9, 2024
Doors open at 5:30 pm, Learning starts at 6 pm
Childcare and refreshments will be available!
Principal Flips Over Student Learning
5th grade math teachers set a target for student learning around adding and subtracting fractions. When they met their goal, the principal of Randall School, Juli Quinn, made the team pancakes to celebrate their dedication to student learning! Thanks for the collaboration, learning, persistence, and hard work 5th grade Math Team!
Randall Bracelet Project
Early in the 2023-2024 School year, Randall Principal Juli Quinn received a call from a community member volunteering to donate bracelets to the students and staff at Randall. This community member, Aspen Poole, a former student in the Cortland Enlarged City School District who is now an adult, makes bracelets as both a hobby and a passion. Aspen makes many of her own beads, and then combines them with other beads and creates beautiful bracelets, often making upwards of 100 bracelets per day! The most amazing part of all of this is that Aspen is blind. She feels the beads and counts to make the patterns, all while chatting away with those around her. Aspen was seeking a way to share her passion, and wanted to donate her bracelets so that each student and staff member would receive a bracelet. Once Mrs. Quinn and Aspen spoke, the idea bloomed from there, and Aspen came to Randall on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 with thousands of bracelets that she had made! She brought enough so that each student could select one bracelet for themselves, and then four additional bracelets to give away as holiday gifts to loved ones. We set up a classroom for students to “shop,” and Aspen beaded bracelets while the students shopped. Mrs. Christine Gregory and Mrs. Janet Griffin, Cortland BOE members, were also on hand to wrap the bracelets that students were gifting to their loved ones. Aspen is also a talented baker, and makes baked goods and playdough. She has donated numerous batches of playdough to Barry Primary School. After her day at Randall, Aspen went the following day on 12/21/23 to Smith Intermediate School to share bracelets with the students and staff. She plans to come to Cortland Junior High in early 2024. It was a wonderful experience for our students to meet someone like Aspen who is filled with such Hope and Optimism, despite her challenging life circumstances. Thank you, Aspen!
Randall students and staff watch Aspen beading while asking her questions about the process she uses.
CECSD BOE President Christine Gregory wraps bracelets for students to give to loved ones for the holidays.
Randall Teacher Aide Marie Monastra and CECSD BOE Member Janet Griffin help wrap bracelet gifts for students to give to loved ones.