The Hive

We are hard at work preparing the 2025-2026 budget. Over the past few years, we have made strategic investments to enhance our district, including the addition of an instructional coach and a school social worker. These positions have significantly strengthened both the academic and social-emotional support systems for our students. Our primary goal for the 2025-2026 year is to maintain the escellent programs we have.

We firmly believe that preserving these programs is in the best interest of our students, families, and taxpayers. The annual budget vote will take place on Tuesday, May 21st, in the Hornet Lobby at the High School. We encourage everyone in our community to participate in this important decision.

In May 2024, our community overwhelmingly approved an $11.875 million capital project, and we are making steady progress on its development. User Groups, consisting of school personnel and community members, have been actively meeting to discuss key details regarding the elementary school cafeteria and entrance, the high school fitness center, and the locker rooms in both schools.

We are also working closely with our architects and the New York State Education Department to finalize the architectural drawings. These updates will ensure that our facilities meet the evolving needs of our students and community. Construction is expected to begin in June 2026.

Blue-Ribbon Commission and Graduation Requirements

In 2019, the Board of Regents established the Blue Ribbon Commission to re-evaluate New York State’s graduation requirements. This commission brought together a diverse group of stakeholders — including educators, administrators, researchers, school counselors, business professionals, higher education experts, parents, and students — to redefine what a state diploma should signify. The goal is to ensure educational excellence and equity for every student.

At Forestville, we are committed to aligning with this initiative by creating opportunities for our students to thrive.

NYS Portrait of a Graduate
The New York State Portrait of a Graduate framework identifies the essential skills and attributes students need to succeed in college, careers, and civic life. These include critical thinking, collaboration, adaptability, and lifelong learning — skills that are critical in today’s rapidly changing world.

Here in Forestville, we have embraced this vision by focusing on several key areas:

• Helping students analyze complex issues, evaluate evidence, and develop innovative solutions.
• Fostering the ability to work effectively in diverse groups and navigate change.
• Promoting the responsible use of technology for learning, communication, and innovation.
• Cultivating an appreciation for diverse cultures and global perspectives.
• Encouraging active civic engagement and a sense of responsibility toward the community.
• Teaching entrepreneurial thinking, resource management, and financial literacy.

By combining the insights from the Blue-Ribbon Commission and the Portrait of a Graduate framework, we are preparing our students to become well-rounded, future-ready individuals. Over the coming years, we will continue to create and refine opportunities that align with these goals and ensure every student’s success.

For more information on these initiatives, please visit our website at www.forestville.com.

As we approach the mid-point of the 2024-2025 school year, there is still much work to be done. Together, as a community, we remain committed to creating a supportive environment where our students can grow, learn, and succeed. Thank you for your ongoing partnership and dedication to Forestville Central School District.

Sincerely,

Dr. John O'Connor

Superintendent of Schools

Dear Forestville Families and Community,

I hope that this newsletter finds you well as we embrace the winter season at FCS. Thank you to our teachers, staff, parents, and community members for the continued support you give to our school and our students.

This winter, our district has been busy with many exciting events occurring in both the Elementary and the Middle/High School including sporting events, spirit weeks, and concerts. Our district has celebrated student successes and academic achievements with the induction of several students into the National Honor Society, recognition on the Honor and Merit Rolls, and presentation of the Hornet Award and Hornet Hero Award.

The Board of Education will be holding budget workshops prior to our regular meetings in February and March. The budget workshops provide an opportunity for our superintendent and business executive to share budget priorities and goals. It also allows time for discussion, questions, and comments as well as reviewing the next steps in the budget process. The annual budget vote will be on Tuesday, May 21, 2025. I encourage you to visit our school website where you will find dates for upcoming school board meetings as well as meeting minutes, important documents, policies, and more.

Thank you again for being a vital part of the Forestville Central School family. Your unwavering support, dedication, and commitment to our school community is essential to the success of our students.

Sincerely,

Andrea Spengler

FCS Board of Education President

Megan Gruber, Kaitie LoManto, Libby Militello, Sophia Voigt, and Justice Yarborough.

Congratulations to Senior, Benjamin Bock, who earned All-WNY Scholar Athlete honors and senior, and Joshua Press who earned Honorable Mention All-WNY Scholar Athlete honors for the Fall 2024 Cross Country season!

Dear Forestville Families,

As winter settles in, we want to take a moment to celebrate the wonderful things happening at Forestville Elementary!

First, a heartfelt thank you to all of our families for your involvement in Parent-Teacher Conferences. We were thrilled to see such strong attendance and appreciate your commitment to your child’s education. Your partnership is invaluable in helping our students grow and succeed!

Our Winter Concert was nothing short of spectacular! We are so grateful to Ms. Coalts and Mr. Hagen for their dedication and hard work in preparing our students for such a memorable performance. A huge round of applause to our talented students who gave their very best — it was a joy to see them shine on stage!

As the temperatures continue to drop, we want to remind you about our Clothing Closet here at Forestville Elementary. If you or your child is in need of warm clothing, including coats, hats, gloves, or other winter essentials, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We want to ensure that all our students are warm and comfortable this season.

Thank you for being a part of our amazing school community. Your support, involvement, and kindness make Forestville Elementary a special place for all. We look forward to a fantastic second half of the school year!

Stay warm and take care,

Shauna McMahon

Principal, Forestville Elementary

March

• PARP Family Night- date and time TBD

April

• Elementary Spring Pictures and Kindergarten Graduation Pictures - April 11
• NYS ELA Assessment- Grades 3-6 TBD

May

• Teacher Appreciation Week - May 5 -9
• Kindergarten Parent Orientation - May 7
• PreK Parent Orientation - May 8
• PreK- Completed Registration Packets due - May 16
• NYS Math Assessment- Grades 3-6 TBD
• NYS Science Assessment- Grade 5 TBD

June

• Kindergarten Screenings - June 4 & 5
• Elementary Spring Concert - June 5 at 1pm & 7pm
• Flag Day Celebration - June 13
• Elementary Field Day - June 13
• PreK Moving Up Ceremony - June 24 at 8:30am
• Kindergarten Graduation - June 25 at 8:30am
• 6th Grade Graduation - June 26 at 8:30am
• Last Day of School for Elementary Students - June 26

• Registration packets are accepted on a rolling basis.
• Please register your child for Kindergarten as soon as possible.
• Kindergarten Parent Orientation will be held Wednesday, May 7 at 4:30pm in the Elementary School.

• PreK Parent Orientation will be held May 8 at 4:30pm in the Elementary School
• For children who will turn 4 years old by December 1, 2025
• Procedure
• Random Lottery Selection (if more than 18 applicants by cutoff date)
• Completed applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the due date (May 16, 2025).
• Parents may request an application packet at any point in the school year, beginning the first day of school.
• Applications will not be considered as part of the lottery if they are incomplete by the due date.
• If an application is submitted beyond the due date, your child’s name will not be entered into the lottery, and they may instead be placed on the waiting list.
• At the end of the day on the due date, one of two things will occur:
• If 18 or fewer children have applied, ALL applicants will be registered for the class.
• If more than 18 students have applied by the end of the day on the due date, all student applicants' names go into a random drawing and are chosen the following school day, numbers 1-18, as students who can enroll in the program.
• Students who are not chosen as 1-18 are identified as waiting list members 19, 20, etc.
• If openings occur (students leave the program, etc.) then the children (in number order) on the waiting list are called to see if they are interested in joining the UPK at Forestville. This occurs on a rolling basis, as openings become available throughout the school year.
• If applications come in after the May due date and there are no openings, those children are placed on a waiting list in order of receipt of completed applications.
• The district works with families on the waiting list to enroll their children at our Community Based Organization (CBO), Lake Shore Family Center, at no cost to the family. This ensures a high-quality instructional program for children prior to their Kindergarten year!

The Forestville Central School cast is tuning up for this year's musical production of Anastasia. Here are some of the cast members hitting all the notes under the direction of Ms. Coalts. The show will open on March 20, 2025 and run through March 22, 2025. See you at the theater!

This dazzling show transports its audience from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing con man and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love and family.

As we settle into the heart of the school year, I am excited to share some of the wonderful happenings in our Forestville schools. This year has been off to a strong start, and I couldn’t be prouder of our students, staff, and families for their dedication and commitment to excellence.

Our music department has been hard at work, and their efforts are shining through! The middle and high school concerts this past fall were nothing short of spectacular, with outstanding performances that were well attended by our students’ families and the greater Forestville community. Looking ahead, we are gearing up for two major musical events: the Music in Our Schools Concert in March and the annual Spring concerts in May. These occasions are a testament to the incredible talent and effort of our students and their mentors. A huge thank you goes to Mr. Hagen and Miss Coalts for inspiring and guiding our students in band and chorus.

Another highlight this winter is the highly anticipated school musical, Anastasia, directed by Mr. Prinzi. Rehearsals began in January, and the energy and enthusiasm of our cast and crew are already evident. The curtain will rise on this production on March 20, 2025, and we are confident it will be an extraordinary showcase of our students’ theatrical talents. Their commitment and drive continue to make us incredibly proud each year.

Student attendance remains a focus for our school. We’re pleased to report that attendance percentages are up this year compared to last, which is a positive step forward. However, we recognize that some students still face challenges in maintaining consistent attendance. In January, we sent home a general attendance letter to highlight the importance of regular attendance and provide information about the supports available to families. Our team is here to help students who may be struggling academically due to absences, and we are committed to ensuring every student has the resources they need to succeed.

Finally, I want to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who plays a role in making our schools an exceptional place for learning and growth. To our teachers, thank you for your unwavering dedication to your students each day. To our parents and families, your partnership and support mean so much to us. To our staff, your hard work and commitment to excellence make all the difference. Together, we are building a school community that we can all be proud of.

Thank you for your continued support of our students and our schools. Let’s keep the momentum going as we move toward an exciting spring semester!

Warm regards,

Dan Grande

Principal, Forestville High School

As the days grow shorter and colder, many people may find themselves experiencing the "winter blues." This seasonal mood shift can affect your energy, motivation, and overall well-being. Here's what you need to know about managing these feelings and staying mentally healthy during the winter months.

First, you must understand the meaning of Winter Blues. Winter blues is a common experience characterized by mild feelings of sadness, fatigue, and loss of interest in activities during the colder, darker months. While not a clinical diagnosis, it is important to recognize and address these feelings.

Symptoms to Watch For

• Persistent sadness or anxiety
• Irritability or restlessness
• Loss of interest in usual activities
• Difficulty concentrating
• Extreme fatigue and lack of energy
• Changes in sleep patterns or appetite

1. Embrace the Light: Exposure to natural light is crucial for mood regulation. Try to take daily walks outdoors, especially in the morning. Open curtains and blinds to let in the natural sunlight and sit near windows when indoors.

2. Stay Active: Physical activity can significantly boost your mood and energy levels. Join a winter

Sports team or club. Participate in indoor exercise classes or maintain a regular workout routine.

3. Connect with Others: Social interaction is vital for mental health. Plan regular hangouts with friends; join school clubs or activities. Stay in touch with family and friends, both in person and virtually.

4. Practice Self-Care: Taking care of yourself is essential. Maintain a consistent sleep schedule.

Preferably 8-10 hours of sleep per night. Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and nutrients. Engage in relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.

5. Seek Support: If you are struggling, do not hesitate to reach out. Talk to a trusted adult, such as a parent, teacher, school counselor or even the School Resource Officer.

If you do find yourself struggling with the “Winter Blues,” consider joining a support group, explore therapy options if symptoms persist or worsen. DO NOT feel embarrassed if you find yourself feeling this way, know you are not alone. Two in five Americans suffer from winter depression.

Remember, while winter blues are common, persistent or severe symptoms may indicate Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD, which requires professional help. If your symptoms interfere with daily life for an extended period, consult a healthcare provider.

By implementing these strategies and staying proactive about your mental health, you can navigate through the winter months with resilience and maintain your well-being throughout the year.

Mrs. Devine's second-grade class hosted a donuts with grown-ups event! Parents came in to see their children demonstrate part of a literacy lesson, help them with a writing project, and, of course, enjoy donuts and juice.

Third graders in Mrs. Sprague and Ms. Booth's class learned about the Lunar New Year and helped decorate the entryway.

Students in Seventh-Grade Seminar are learning about stress and mindfulness.

The students recently followed a yoga and meditation routine to help relieve stress in both the mind and body.

The students in Miss Raichel’s After School Enrichment Program have been very busy. They learned how to use 3D Pens and how to design items for 3D printing. With the help of Mrs. Press, the students learned how to use a computer program called Tinkercad. This program introduces the basics of 3D design so that the students can eventually design and create objects to be printed. The fifth and sixth grade students designed jack-o-lanterns, and the third and fourth grade students designed Japanese lanterns. The third and fourth grade students also learned how to use 3D pens to create unique snowflake designs.

Third- and Fourth-grade students went on a field trip to SUNY Fredonia for a Science Show! Mr. Hadley, Mrs. Bayles and fourth grader Deztin Caraballo, along with Miss Booth, and third graders Bridget Nagle and Jakub Adamczak were invited on stage to help demonstrate science experiments!

Congratulations to Tyler Waugh who was inducted into the National Technical Honor Society at Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES' LoGuidice Center!

Congratulations to the students who were inducted into National Honor Society!

Back row: Jack Spengler, Ben Bock, Anderson Cross, Clare O'Connell, Jade Work, Hannah Kwilos, Kaitlyn Lomanto, Iris Muck

Front Row: Guilianna Patton, Madison Kellerman, Kaitlyn Kellerman, Ava Emke, Carilene Sliwa, Madison Christian, Anna Gilman, Ella Duliba

On December 6, students and staff from Forestville and Silver Creek schools took part in the NY Special Olympics Cool School Polar Plunge Challenge for the fifth year in a row.

This year the team was able to shatter all previous fundraising amounts, raising more than $13,400! The Silver Creek-Forestville team was the #1 fundraising team from all of Chautauqua County, #4 fundraising team for the Cool School Challenge (out of 35 school teams), and the #8 fundraising team for the entire two-day event. In the past five years, the team has raised over $40,000 for Special Olympic Athletes. For every $500 raised, a Special Olympic athlete is sponsored for an entire year.

Weather conditions at the beach made it difficult for those in attendance to “plunge” into the lake, instead the students and staff participated in a Polar Plunge Spray. Alternate arrangements were made for teams to run through the snow and get sprayed by a fire truck.

Participants in the Polar Plunge needed to raise $125 in donations. Students from Forestville included Kaylee Adamczak, Nicolette Adgate, Olivia Butcher, Ellie Cross, Ella Duliba, Ingrid Gibson, Kody Gozdziak, Emma Hodkin, Kaitlyn LoMonto, Ali Kerstetter, Finn Muck, Iris Muck, Troy Muck, Janelle Parisio, Meredith Stelmack, Madison Thompson, Olivia Valentine, and Jade Work, as well as staff member Brenda Kerstetter. Several students also raised enough money to plunge but were unable to attend included Breanna Loretto, Sophia Smith, and Brenna Valentine.

Mr. Dempsey and Mrs. Press took a group of students on an engineering trip to Alfred University. The students started out their day with a Rube Goldberg design activity. The students were put into teams with students from other schools. The goal of the activity was to design a Rube Goldberg machine using six simple machines (lever, pulley, wheel/axle, inclined plane, screw, wedge) to flip a quarter. Each group was judged by representatives from the college on ingenuity and functionality.

After the competition, the students got to eat in the dining hall for lunch and visit the labs to observe molten and tempered glass experiments, the wind tunnel, solar panel experiment and an electron microscope demonstration.

The trip was a great experience for the students to learn how teamwork and material science are related to the world of engineering!

Third-grade students in Ms. Booth's class worked in a group to construct and decorate gingerbread houses!

Students and staff were in the holiday spirit! Elves could be found all around Forestville Elementary. They had some fun duct taping Mrs. McMahon to the wall!

Forestville Elementary students put on a wonderful winter performance for their families!

Everywhere you looked there was a holiday character! From the Grinch to Olaf, Heatmiser and Snowmiser to Cindy Loo Who and Yukon Cornelius!

Mr. Worosz second-grade class welcomed a special guest reader, Mr. Bradigan, who read winter stories to the students!

You may have watched the Thanksgiving Day Parade, but you also need to see Mrs. Ruffo’s 1st grade Balloon Parade!

Students from the Silver Creek-Forestville Unified Sports program took part in the Buffalo Bills Unified Flag Football Clinic on November 5 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center. The student-athletes rotated through different stations, learning different aspects of flag football. Several Buffalo Bills players were on hand to interact and work with the students. They had fun learning about the different aspects of the game from the players and volunteers!

Forestville Elementary is excited to welcome Koda Bear as a therapy dog this school year! For the past year and a half, Koda Bear and Mrs. Sprague have gone through extensive training at Shaylah’s Commands here in Forestville.

Koda Bear knows when the vest goes on, it’s time to go to work!

Forestville Elementary staff celebrated World Kindness Day by wearing yellow! World Kindness Day is an annual event on November 13 that encourages individuals to practice kindness in their daily lives and celebrate the human qualities of empathy, understanding and cooperation.

Board of Education

Andrea Spengler, President 716-725-4978

Jamie Gruber, Vice President 716-785-7876

Derek Case 716-785-8959

Jamie Hebner 716-785-8149

Michelle Merritt 716-467-2469

Lindsey Ellis 716-338-8292

Rachel Locke 716-864-6087

Central Administration

John O’Connor, Superintendent 716-965-6539

Melody Voigt, Superintendent Secretary/District Clerk 716-965-6539

Kerrieann Pelletter, School Business Executive 716-965-6533

Kyle Barthel, Director of Facilities 716-965-6531

Sarah LoManto, Cafeteria Manager 716-965-6530

Wesley Wright, Director of Technology & Communications 716-965-6565

Kris Richter, Head Bus Driver 716-965-6550

Secondary School 716-965-2711

Daniel Grande, Middle/High School Principal

Sara Botticello, Middle/High School Secretary

Ashley Cross, School Nurse

Brianne Hazelton, School Counselor

Heather Jackson, Guidance Secretary

Melissa Press, Technology Integration Specialist

Elementary School 716-965-2742

Shauna McMahon, Elementary Principal

Brenda Schneider, Elementary Secretary

Aaron Bevill, Director of Special Education

Christine Bowker, CSE and CPSE Secretary

Nadine Donovan, School Nurse