Cortland Schools

As we embrace the crisp air and vibrant colors of October, I am excited to highlight a special occasion this month—National Principals Month. This is a time to celebrate the vital role our school leaders play in shaping the educational experiences of our students and supporting our dedicated staff.

Our principals are at the heart of our schools, fostering an environment of learning, growth, and resilience. Their leadership not only guides our students toward academic success but also instills values of kindness and community. Our Principals are our lead coaches. They help us stay focused on student learning - academic and social emotional - on collaboration, on results, and on our coaching culture. If you have an opportunity to recognize their hard work, I thank you for taking a moment to express your gratitude for their unwavering commitment to our schools.

Thank you all for your continued support and involvement in Cortland Enlarged City School District. October is the time when many of our fall sports and activities are in full speed and also near their conclusions. Please keep coming out and cheering on our teams, our students and our staff when you have the opportunity to do so.

Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to the well-being of our students and community.

10/14/24 - No School for Columbus and Indigenous People's Day

10/16/24 - Family Literacy Night at Barry Primary Cafeteria, 5:30 p.m.

10/19/24 - JV & Varsity Winter Sports Registration opens

10/24/24 - Modern Band Newbie Jam, 6:30

10/29/25 - National Honor Society Inductions

Click on the photo to see the Weekly Blast featuring the third grade.

The Junior High School SEL program is off to a strong start this school year. We are using the Positivity Project (P2) as our school curriculum. Every week during Wednesday in learning block, students will hear positive quotes, engage in conversations, and watch videos that relate to the “character trait of the week”. In the first month of school, we dove into the character traits of, “Other People Matter Mindset”, “Curiosity”, “Open-Mindedness”, and “Perspective”. For October, students will learn about the importance of “Creativity”, “Teamwork”, “Being Present in the Moment”, and “Humility/Modesty”.

Here is the quote of the month- “A mind is like a parachute. It doesn’t work unless it is open.” This quote reminds us that it is important to keep an open mind when faced with an unfamiliar situation or perspective.

Ask your students about Tiger Tokens. We are keeping track of all students who receive Tiger Tokens. Weekly drawings result in a small prize and a certificate. Lucky winners get their pictures on the P2 bulletin board for the week. Click here to see the second bulletin board.

In a recent update, Jordon Lilley, Supervisor of School Transportation & Operations. for the Cortland Enlarged City School District, provided an exciting overview of the ongoing Capital Project initiatives aimed at enhancing school facilities across the district. One of the most notable improvements has been the complete replacement of the turf on the high school stadium field, which had succumbed to wear and tear over the years. The newly installed field promises not only better gameplay but also improved drainage, enhanced padding for player safety, and vibrant graphics that will boost school spirit during games. In addition to the stadium field upgrades, significant renovations are taking place in the basement of the high school. Old locker rooms are being transformed into modern facilities, which will include new locker rooms, an athletic training center, and a state-of-the-art weight room. These upgrades aim to provide students with top-notch resources to support their athletic endeavors.

At Randall Middle School, the first phase of the Capital Project has just been completed, featuring updates to six classrooms that will enhance the learning environment for students.

Meanwhile, at Smith Intermediate School, major improvements have included the installation of new classroom ventilation systems, heating, plumbing, and three new natural gas boilers, ensuring a comfortable and efficient atmosphere for both students and staff. Lilley noted that much of the work is nearing completion, with ongoing projects at the Junior/Senior High School (JSHS) continuing to progress. As the District invests in these crucial upgrades, the community looks forward to reaping the benefits of modernized facilities designed to enhance educational experiences for all students. Stay tuned for further updates as the Capital Project continues to unfold, bringing new and exciting improvements to the Cortland Enlarged City School District.

The Cortland Enlarged City School District was thrilled to invite the public to its New Turf Celebration taking place at Moiseichik Field. The festivities commenced immediately following the girls varsity field hockey game. The event marks a momentous occasion for students, staff, and community members who recently gathered on Moiseichik Field to commemorate the official opening of the new athletic turf. This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a venue for games, classes, and practices for various sports teams throughout the school year. Members of the Cortland community played a crucial role in the celebration, with notable figures joining in the festivities. Ribbon holders and cutters included Athletic Booster Club President Machell Phelps, Athletic Director Coach Beam, Board President Brett Barnes, Transportation and Facilities Supervisor Jordon Lilley, Director of the Cortland Youth Bureau Andrea Pedigrossi, and Mayor Scott Steve. Their participation highlights the community's support and investment in local youth sports. Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, sports teams representing fall, winter, and spring seasons took part in a celebratory parade lap around the track, showcasing the vibrant spirit of Cortland's athletic programs. The ceremony took place after the varsity field hockey game and before the varsity boys soccer game, creating an exciting atmosphere for all attendees. In addition to the ceremonial activities, participants enjoyed complimentary T-shirts, refreshing water, and delicious purple and white half-moon cookies, generously donated by local partners. Special thanks go to the Cortland Regional Sports Council, Cortland Youth Bureau, Cortland Athletics Department, Cortland Athletic Boosters, Watchdog Building Partners, LLC, King + King Architects, Appel Osborne Landscape Architecture, Matthew Maniaci and Abe Johnson for their contributions to making this event a success.

The social workers at Barry Primary School are collecting hygiene products, shoes (youth sizes 3-7), clothes (youth sizes), and non-perishable food items. The drop off location is the Barry Main Office- at 20 Raymond Ave. If you wish to leave a monetary donation, leave it with the secretary. We appreciate your support in helping us establish a closet for our families to have access to whatever they need. We will be collecting donations until November 22. Please email Madison Tripp at mtripp@cortlandschools.org or Taylor Passalugo at tpassalugo@cortlandschools.org for more information.

National Red Ribbon week runs from October 23-31 and is the nation's largest drug prevention campaign. Join us in wearing red or wearing red ribbons on Wednesday 1October 23! SADD will be hosting a poster contest throughout the week, with judging to take place on Wednesday October 30. Posters can be a group effort, or individual submission, must contain a drug prevention message, and they can be posted in your classroom or outside your classroom door. Photos of the posters should be emailed to mscanlon@cortlandschools.org to be entered into the contest, no later than 2:00 p.m. on October 30.

This year, 18 students have been accepted into the CHS Internship Program. Students will be able to go to local businesses and organizations to gain career experience and skills some time during the months of February through June 2025. Please email Melissa Norman at mnorman@cortlandschools.org with contact information for any businesses in the areas of interior design, real estate, culinary, environmental conservation, or ecotourism who might be willing to host a student.

The Smart Scholars Early College High School (ECHS) Program has started for the first time at Cortland High School! Thirty-nine ECHS freshmen have toured Tompkins-Cortland Community College, begun Primed for Learning sessions with Jen Rafferty, and have received school supplies to help them get off to a strong start during their first year of high school. Throughout the next 4 years, ECHS students will have opportunities to gain academic skills and exposure to colleges and careers, enabling them to create a strong plan for success after high school.

Mr. Colt’s economics classes have begun their Stock Market Game (SMG) simulation. Cortland students have 2.5 months to invest $100,000 in various stock trades. The game is played across the greater New York region where our students compete against thousands of other student teams for top position. This challenging game requires students to study the market, make investments, and monitor their portfolios in real time. Cortland has a long tradition of successful student traders, we hope to continue that tradition this year too!

We’ve had an exciting start to the year in the Visual Arts Department! Our Junior High Art Club is officially kicking off, and we’re looking forward to a year full of creativity and collaboration. If you have any art opportunities or contests and need creative student participants, please send all information to Ms. Haessner at khaessner@cortlandschools.org.

We’re also thrilled to announce the launch of our Instagram account, cortland_enlarged_srjr_art, which will feature amazing student artwork from both the Junior and Senior High Schools. Be sure to follow us to stay updated on events, opportunities, and all the incredible art being created in our buildings!

This month, band and orchestra students get reacquainted with their instruments! Most of the current band and orchestra students began last school year during their last trimester of 3rd grade, so now they are eager and enthusiastic to come down for lessons and morning ensembles with Mr. Nick Murray (band).

October 6-12 is Mental Illness Awareness Week, a public education campaign that raises awareness of mental illness.

October 10 is World Mental Health Day.

Click the link below to download your mental health toolkit and find many more resources at NAMI. https://www.nami.org/Get-Involved/Awareness-Events/Mental-Illness-Awareness-Week/ or visit your building school social workers.

The JSHS Orchestra and Tri-M will be hosting a Cookie Dough Fundraiser from October 7th-18th. If you would like to purchase some cookie dough to have on hand as the holidays quickly approach, please reach out to a member of the orchestras, Tri-M, or Rebecca Miller.

Dionne DePuy was awarded the Teacher of Excellence Award at the opening day ceremonies this year.

Joanne Dyer was awarded the Support Staff of Excellence Award at the opening day ceremonies this year.

John Zarcone presented a Tiger Paw award to Charlene Urtz at the September 17th Board of Education meeting.

Learning starts at 5:45 p.m. October 16, doors open at 5:30.

Childcare and refreshments will be available!