February

This year's art contest theme was Wallkill Culture.

Congratulations to:

Virginia Munford

Gianna Raia

Michael Wiley

Giuliana Prati

Jason Nunez

Congratulations to this year's

Spelling Bee Contestants

First Place: Sameer Zafar

Second Place: Kamola Tugalova

Third Place: Anaiyah Mack

Student winners are

Anabelle Brown, Abby Hanke, Devin Mangaru

Brody Moeller, Colin Stevens

and

Rebecca Warren

Congratulations students and keep up the great work!!

Homework Lab is an after-school program where students can work on homework or projects with the assistance of a teacher, Monday through Thursday from 2:30 pm to 3:50 pm. A late bus will be available at 4:00 pm to transport students home. Your child will need to sign up each day in the main office no later than 1:30 pm. An announcement is made each morning with the room location. Please have your child stop by the main office with any questions.

Schedule:

Monday - Room 204 - Mrs. Wager

Tuesday - Room 307 - Mrs. Lobato

Wednesday - Room 307 - Mrs. Lobato

Thursday - Room 204 - Mrs. Wager

Phone: (845)895-7181

Christine Scott - RN

The NYS Department of Health (NYSDOH) is a great resource for things beyond community illness tracking (which we all initially think of). Here are some tips directly from their website: https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/emergency/weather/cold/

• The World Health Organization recommends keeping indoor temperatures between 64 and 75 degrees, but at least 68 degrees to protect the very young, the elderly, or people with health problems.
• Watch out for signs of hypothermia. Early signs of hypothermia in adults include shivering, confusion, memory loss, drowsiness, exhaustion, and slurred speech. Infants suffering from hypothermia may appear to have very low energy and bright red, cold skin.
• Since cold weather puts an extra burden on the heart, if you have cardiac problems or high blood pressure, follow your doctor's orders about shoveling or performing any strenuous exercise outside. Even otherwise, healthy adults should remember that their bodies already are working overtime just to stay warm, and dress appropriately and work slowly when doing heavy outdoor chores.

Stay Safe While Heating Your Home

• Avoid exposure to carbon monoxide, a potentially deadly gas. It is colorless, odorless, tasteless, and non-irritating. It is produced by burning fuels such as wood, oil, natural gas, kerosene, coal, and gasoline. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to the flu but do not include a fever. At lower levels of exposure, a person may experience a headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Exposure to very high levels of carbon monoxide can result in more serious health concerns.
• Never try to thaw a pipe with an open flame or torch and be aware of the potential for electric shock in and around standing water. To keep water pipes from freezing in the home, let faucets drip a little to avoid freezing, open cabinet doors to allow more heat to get to un-insulated pipes under a sink or appliance near an outer wall.
• If you are having trouble paying your bills this winter, you can call or visit the NYS Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) or Hotline at 1-800-342-3009. https://www.otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/
• For consolidated information on assistance in paying heating bills and ways to make your home energy efficient you can call the number toll free at 1-877-NYSMART (1-877-697-6278).
• The NYSDOH puts out great publications to help the community. This 32-page pdf is a wonderful resource (entitled, "Don't Be Left in the Dark") as it gives tips on preparing for power outages and weather emergencies. https://www.health.ny.gov/publications/7064.pdf
• NYS has local warming centers should you be in need. You can contact your local police department for information on currently open centers.

Traveling This Winter

The National Weather Service also has tips for keeping safe when traveling this winter.

Continue to have your child dress warmly when coming back and forth from school. Waiting at the bus stop or walking to school can put you at risk in frigid weather.

Stay safe and Warm! - Mrs. Scott, RN

Our intramural program has seen tremendous success this year, thanks to a diverse range of activities that have engaged participants across various interests. This past fall, our basketball intramurals were a hit, featuring exciting 3-on-3 tournaments and competitive knockout games. As the winter months set in, we shifted gears to indoor activities, hosting board game intramurals with popular games like Chess, Scattergories, and Rubik's Cube competitions, which fostered both strategic thinking and camaraderie. Additionally, our video game intramurals have been a standout success, particularly with our Smash Party tournaments and the ever-popular Mario Kart competitions, which have brought out the competitive spirit and joy in everyone. Overall, the variety and inclusivity of our intramural offerings have made this program a highlight of the year.

Phone: (845)895-7158

Winter sports are under way. Check the links for game schedules. Come out and support our Wallkill Panters! Winter sports include basketball, wrestling, and cheerleading.

For additional information visit our Athletics Page at https://www.wallkillcsd.k12.ny.us/departments/athletics

For a schedule of games click on link below.

https://www.sectionixny.org/public/genie/1336/school/143/

Spring Sports sign up will be starting February 24th. More information to come.

Girls modified basketball is off to a solid start! While this is many of the girls' first-time playing basketball, the team has been improving through the season. The team is led by returning 8th graders Grace Dubois and Ariel Cole, who are the team captains. Also returning for the Panthers are Davinity Graham, Cecila Castro, Aliyah Rivera and Kamola Tugalova. Newcomers Taigan Lahar, Elizabeth Collins and Zoe O'Conner have been making huge contributions for the team. The team got its first victory of the season against Rondout on January 6th, 2025.

Practices have been focused and productive, with a strong emphasis on perfecting routines, stunts, and cheers to ensure a dynamic and spirited performance. The athletes continue to show dedication, teamwork, and enthusiasm as they work toward a successful pep rally. Additionally, the team has had successful halftime performances at each of their games, showcasing their growth and ability to perform under pressure.

Boys modified basketball is off to a great start! The team has been improving each game and learning how to turn their great individual skills into even better team skills. The team has a number of leaders on both A and B team. Highlighting those teams are 8th graders Odin Danilian and Gage Reynolds. As returners from last year's boys modified basketball team, their veteran presence is an important asset to the team's success on and off the court. The boys are currently undefeated at home and will look to continue this streak for the remainder of the season!

The 2024/2025 Modified wrestling team is experiencing a surge of new wrestlers this season, with many students eager to learn and improve. While the team is still building its foundation, there's a strong sense of dedication and teamwork among the athletes. Though the team faces challenges, their commitment to hard work and mutual support suggests a promising future. With time, effort, and determination, this team has the potential to achieve great success in upcoming seasons.

The Wallkill Mathletes finished their season with a 3rd place trophy in the Mid-Hudson Math League playoffs.

Congratulations to

JGBMS Students:

Sameer Zafar, Rylee Astras, Lola Kilpatrick, Anaiyah Mack, Shawn Digsby and Gavin Reimer

Wallkill High School Students:

Alexis Astras, Gabriella Morales, Ariel Culver and Carlie Lacelle

The JGBMS yearbook club is asking for baby pictures of our 8th graders. Please email Ms. Rosenfeld at drosenfeld@wallkillcsd.k12.ny.us with a picture of your 8th grader (age 4 and younger). Thank you!

AM Drop Off: (7:00 – 7:30 am) Students are to be dropped off at the designated Student Drop Off area located on 3rd Street (Behind the building) no earlier than 7 am. As a reminder, there is one-way traffic during drop-off.

PM Pick Up: Students are to be picked up at dismissal at 2:10 pm in the same designated location as Drop Off. If you need to pick your child up earlier than 2:10 pm you must come to the Main Lobby Entrance and sign them out. Photo ID is required.

NOTE: Any changes to your child's dismissal plan must be submitted in writing to the main office.

MR. MICHAEL REDMOND, PRINCIPAL

We love feedback at John G. Borden Middle School. Please reach out or call anytime if you have any questions or concerns.

Email: mredmond@wallkillcsd.k12.ny.us
Website: https://www.wallkillcsd.k12.ny.us/domain/18
Location: 109 Bona Ventura Avenue, Wallkill, NY, USA
Phone: (845) 895-7175