NorthStar Lights
North Syracuse Central School District's Electronic News
Hello North Syracuse Central School District Students, Families and Staff!
I'm excited to share the latest developments in our efforts to enhance both the school and community facilities at Cicero-North Syracuse High School. On October 30, we held a ceremonial groundbreaking for our long-awaited new community pool, officially kicking off the construction phase of this eagerly awaited project. This pool is a major milestone in our capital improvement plan, which was approved by voters in December 2021, and it promises to enrich the district’s athletic and wellness offerings for both students and the broader community.
The ceremony marked the first shovels of dirt, turned by our NSCSD Board of Education President Michael A. Mirizio, Assemblyman Al Stirpe, and two of our swim coaches, Paul Gill and Brad Raineri—both longtime advocates for this project. Their enthusiasm and commitment, along with Assemblyman Stirpe’s strong support and advocacy for supplemental funding, have been instrumental in making this aquatics facility a reality.
Once completed, the pool will provide a dedicated space for our students to participate in aquatics programming and give our athletes a local venue to train and compete. Community members will also be able to access the pool through dedicated entrances designed to keep the school safe and secure. This new facility will offer unprecedented opportunities for swim-related activities across all ages, and we look forward to opening it for community use in the fall of 2026.
Beyond the pool, our capital improvements at the high school continue with renovations to the gymnasium, locker rooms, auditorium, and HVAC systems. The gymnasium is nearly complete, and we’re excited to welcome students onto the new gym floor for basketball and other events this December.
These updates reflect the shared dedication of our district and community to provide first-class facilities for our students. Thank you to everyone who has supported these projects, and we look forward to watching our students and community enjoy these spaces in the years to come.
Click on the news story buttons below to learn more.
Warm regards,
Michael Schiedo, Interim Superintendent
North Syracuse Central School District
The North Syracuse Central School District Board of Education announced today that Dr. Terry Ward is expected to be appointed as the district’s new Superintendent of Schools at the upcoming Board of Education meeting on Nov. 4. Dr. Ward, who will assume his role on Jan. 6, 2025, brings extensive experience in educational leadership and a commitment to advancing academic achievement and inclusive school environments. Dr. Ward is currently the Superintendent of Schools for the Cato-Meridian Central School District, where he has served for more than six years.
The search for a new superintendent was led by OCM BOCES District Superintendent Dr. Matt Cook and involved an extensive selection process. Staff, community and student surveys, along with focus groups, provided valuable input on the qualities and attributes desired in the district’s next leader. A highly qualified pool of candidates applied, and Dr. Ward emerged as the Board’s choice to lead the district forward.
On Tuesday, October 8, four members of Cicero-North Syracuse High School's Student Government Executive Board experienced a day of education and leadership during a special ceremony at the Onondaga County Courthouse. Grace Villnave and Oneisha Coakley, who serve as co-presidents, along with Ethan Meives, co-secretary, and Ethan Turner, treasurer, were formally sworn in by New York State Supreme Court Justice Deborah Karalunas. They were joined by their advisor, teacher Melissa Palmisano, who works with the executive board.
The day provided these young leaders with a rare opportunity to experience a formal setting of government and receive insight into the responsibilities of leadership. The students took an oath of leadership before Justice Karalunas, underscoring their commitment to uphold integrity and serve their school community. Following the oath, Justice Karalunas spoke with the students, offering insights into leadership, public service and the importance of being role models. The students also received a tour of the courthouse and had the opportunity to hear from District Executive Don Doerr and several other distinguished guests, including Hon. Cecile, Hon. Kuehner, and Hon. Fogel.
Other CNS students on the executive board are: Co-Vice Presidents Andrew Dolson and Meghan Cannella, Co-Secretary Aya Hussein and Graphic Designer Yelena Valdes Garcia.
The Cicero-North Syracuse High School Student Government plans to make this swearing-in ceremony an annual event, providing future student leaders with a unique opportunity to engage directly with the judicial system and gain hands-on experience in leadership and civic responsibility.
On Tuesday, October 29, the Cicero-North Syracuse High School Vocal Jazz Ensemble gave a special performance at WCNY Studios in downtown Syracuse. The group, directed by CNS Chorus Teacher Danielle Rausa, was invited to perform as part of Mrs. Rausa’s recognition as the WCNY Classic FM Music Educator Award honoree for September 2024. The Classic FM Music Educator Award was established in 2022 to recognize outstanding teachers across the region.
Mrs. Rausa expressed her gratitude for the recognition and the chance to share this unique experience with her students. “The opportunity to perform in a professional studio and interact with industry professionals like Bruce Paulsen was inspiring for all of us,” she said. “It was truly a day they will remember, and I’m so proud of the students’ dedication and performance.”
For the students, the day was as educational as it was exciting.
Third graders complete 30th annual Adirondack trip: Eagle News Online | Anna Edwards | Tues., Oct. 15 - A group of eighty Cicero Elementary School students and parents hiked Bald Mountain on Oct. 5, celebrating the 30th year of this tradition. Stephan Bailey, the physical education teacher at Cicero Elementary who has organized the hike for the past seven years, said that he loves to watch his students get excited about visiting the Adirondacks and hiking. Click here to read the story online.
Breast cancer awareness!
Smith Road Elementary School Teaching Assistant Chiara Giannuzzi shared this adorable picture from last Friday's Breast Cancer Awareness Day and said, "We wear pink for my mom Angela Arezzo today who passed in 2009. Chiara is pictured with her daughter Angelia Giannuzzi, who is a 2nd grade student at Smith Road. #NSBrighterTogether
Halloween fun throughout the NSCSD
Many thanks to all the teachers and staff from throughout the North Syracuse Central School District who shared pictures from the Halloween half-day! Pictured to the right: Lindsay Hayes shared this photo of the third grade team at KWS Bear Road Elementary School dressed as individual colors of PlayDoh.
District Reminders!
NOV. 1: School Administrator Appreciation Day
NOV. 3: Daylight Saving Time Ends - Adjust clocks back one hour
NOV. 4: Board of Education meeting at 6 PM at the Jerome F. Melvin Administrative Office Building (5355 West Taft Rd.) in North Syracuse
NOV. 5: Election Day - No School for Students/Superintendent's Conference Day
NOV 6: School Psychologist Appreciation Day
NOV. 11: Veteran's Day - No School for Students or Staff
NOV. 15: Paige's Pajamarama
NOV. 18: Board of Education meeting at 6 PM at the Jerome F. Melvin Administrative Office Building (5355 West Taft Rd.) in North Syracuse
NOV. 27-29: Thanksgiving Recess - No School for Students or Staff
North Syracuse Central School District
Website: www.nscsd.org
Location: 5355 West Taft Road, Syracuse, NY, USA
Phone: (315) 218-2100
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NSyracuseCSD/