Gananda Blue Panther Gazette
June 4, 2024
In the Spotlight
On the weekend of May 17-18, a total of 21 Gananda students ranging from 5th-11th grade participated in the NYSSMA Solo Festival at Wayne High School.
As part of the festival, the students prepared a solo based on their ability level, scales and performed sight-reading. Solos are graded on their difficulty from 1-6 with level 6 being professional level. For many of our students, this was their first time performing at the festival. For some at the secondary level, this was their audition to earn a spot in an Area All-State ensemble (band, orchestra or choir).
The students worked very hard in their preparations for the festival and the results were fantastic for our Gananda students! Here are some exciting statistics for our students:
- 16 soloists earned Excellent or Outstanding Ratings ("A" for level 5-6)
- 3 students set school records:
- Freshman - Joscelyn Erhardt - level 6 - 95 (highest Gananda saxophone score ever)
- 7th Grader - Mason Strausser - level 5 - 98 (highest Gananda tuba score ever)
- 6th Grader - Gavin Rhinewald - level 4 - 28 (highest Gananda euphonium score ever)
- Performers: Cadence Strausser, Logan Potter, Joscelyn Erhardt, Sophie McLaren, Mason Strausser, Hayley Jane Poh, Addelyn Place, Camryn Holdraker, Addison Edlund, Gavin Rhinewald, Stella Jacob, Emma Demulder, Emily Robinson, Sophia Goodfriend, Beckam Jackson, Theodore Maneely, Stephen Wolanski Jr., Madelyn Huntley, Connor Luke, Owen Lathrop and Austin Wadsley
Congratulations to all of our students on their outstanding efforts for this festival! We are so proud of them!
Moon Dreams
Daviana doesnโt just enter a room. She bounces in with every ounce of energy one would expect from a fourth-grader and her contagious smile has zero boundaries.
So itโs no surprise that on this day, it doesnโt take long for every person in the room to have a smile of their own because Daviana has plenty of smiling to share.
Thatโs how eager this Gananda fourth-grader is to talk about one of her heroes, retired NASA astronaut Dr. Ellen Ochoa.
Read the full story here.
Healthy Heart
The annual Kids Heart Challenge is all about the power of a healthy heart. But at Ganandaโs Richard Mann Elementary School, students also took the time to โstop and learnโ about the power in their hands.
The exciting payoff was more than anyone at Gananda expected.
Click here to read about how the fundraising goal was smashed and how Principal Lumb moved her office outside for day!
Summer Camps
The Macedon Public Library is offering a summer STEAM Camp to children entering grades 3-6 this summer. This opportunity is open to local students and will run from 9 am until 5 pm on the following dates:
- Wednesday, June 26
- Thursday, June 27
- Monday, July 1
- Tuesday, July 2
Campers will participate in each of the science, technology, engineering, art and music activities offered on each of the four days. Campers must also supply their own lunches.
This is a free camp but space is limited to the first 12 registrants. Go to this link to find the registration form and more details about the camp.
Congrats Joey!
Joey did a fantastic job representing Gananda at the event, which encourages middle school students to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Joey earned the trip to Albany by finishing in the top 3 at the local qualifier in Rochester in early March.
The Big Move
Several sixth graders (and a few eighth graders) took some time recently to visit fifth graders at the Elementary School and discuss their transition to the Middle School next year.
Three presentations were made: "A Day in the Life of a Middle Schooler," "Extracurricular Activities" and "Sixth Grade Expectations." The students then hosted a question and answer period with the fifth graders to help them get ready for their big move next fall!
Building Minds
Sebastian Maroundit, one of the Lost Boys of Sudan, visited the Middle School for the 10th year and the newsletter for his foundation, Building Minds in South Sudan, gave a shout out to Gananda 7th graders. The students organized a fundraiser that brings in more than $1,000 each year and the organization is understandably thrilled!
Read about Sebastian's visit to Gananda here.
Eyes Open For Ticks
Lyme disease (LD) is an infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, a type of bacterium called a spirochete that is carried by deer ticks. An infected tick can transmit the spirochete to the humans and animals it bites. Often, a rash appears within 7-14 days at the site of a tick bite.
Around the time the rash appears, other symptoms such as joint pains, chills, fever, and
fatigue are common, but they may not seem serious enough to require medical attention. These symptoms may be brief, only to recur as a broader spectrum of symptoms as the disease progresses. Contact your physician if you notice any symptoms.
Senior Celebration
Reminder: The Senior Celebration for the Class of 2024 is on Thursday, June 6, and begins around 7:45 pm.
Seniors can enjoy ice cream, time with graduating classmates, pick up their caps and gowns and fireworks! Be aware that fireworks will begin around 9 pm so be sure to let anyone know who may want to prepare.
Bald 4 Bucks
Congrats to Student Congress for achieving their fundraising goal and raising more than $700 for the Roswell Park's Cancer Clinic in their Bald for Bucks event on FMay 24.
Mr. Butt, Mr. Potter and Mr. Barresi (from his Coast Guard post) were revealed to be the volunteers that agreed to go bald for bucks if the fundraising goal was met. Thank you to Ms. Meuwissen and Mrs. Farquhar-Nelson and Student Congress for organizing this event!
Flag Falls in Final
The first year of flag football at Gananda didn't end with a Section V title, but it was close! The Blue Panthers advanced to the Class B2 championship but fell to Bishop Kearney in a thriller.
Read about the game and see more photos here.
'Tis the Season
Environmental allergies are somewhat different than food allergies because theyโre not a reaction to something youโve ingested for nutrition. Instead, environmental allergies are a response to triggers you come into contact with in your surroundings or inhale during your day-to-day activities. Things like...dust mites, pollen, pet dander and mold.
Some of the symptoms of environmental allergies include: sneezing, runny nose, shortness of breath, itching, headaches, wheezing, fatigue. If you have asthma, your symptoms might be severe.
If you have seasonal/environmental May allergies, your symptoms might be worse during specific times of the year.
You should always contact your physician to determine how to treat your allergies.