NorthStar Lights
North Syracuse Central School District's Electronic News
Hello North Syracuse Central School District parents, guardians, teachers, and staff,
This week I was able to attend the science fair at Cicero Elementary School and I wanted to take a moment to write about it because I truly believe that things like this are what education is all about. Students were invited to get creative with their ideas and I have to say, that is exactly what they did. The fair was a truly impressive showcase of the creativity and enthusiasm that can be inspired by science. Students have a natural desire to discover and the fair gave them the opportunity to explore their ideas, share those concepts with others and showcase their ingenuity.
As I walked around the event and saw and heard so many students fully engaged in their projects, I couldn't help but get excited for the future of our district. With our community set to soon expand with the arrival of Micron, there will be ample opportunities for our students to pursue careers in STEM fields. Seeing the creativity and enthusiasm displayed by our students as they presented their projects, I immediately connected their passion to successful careers and a blossoming in our district.
Last week I had the opportunity to visit a Micron plant in Virginia, alongside administrators from school districts across Central New York. We were given a glimpse into the exciting prospects that lie ahead. The micro-fab similar to the one coming to Clay underscored the significance of preparing our students for the jobs of the future.
The Science Fair was a testament to the passion for science that is alive and thriving among our students. I was particularly heartened to see many of our female students eagerly embracing STEM subjects. Encouraging diversity and inclusivity in these fields is essential for fostering innovation and driving progress.
I want to commend everyone involved for their commitment to nurturing our students' curiosity and passion for learning. Events like these play a crucial role in shaping the future leaders and innovators of our community. Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of such a wonderful event. We've shared a few of the project pictures below so you can see our students' ingenuity for yourself.
Have a wonderful long weekend and be sure to enjoy the historical solar eclipse on Monday.
Daniel D. Bowles, Superintendent of Schools
On Monday, April 8, Central and Western New York will experience a solar eclipse. Because Syracuse falls in the path of totality, we will experience darkness for about a minute. This once-in-a-lifetime event is anticipated to attract a significant audience from outside the area. The North Syracuse Central School District will be closed on Monday, April 8. An updated school calendar was approved on March 19 making the day an Unused Snow Day/Solar Eclipse holiday.
Why the change? Discussions between local superintendents about what to do that day started last school year, but in recent months area emergency management offices have joined the discussions. Since this area is very close to dead center of the eclipse’s path of totality (and its duration), emergency management offices expect visitors to flood the region to see the eclipse in person. With the extra added traffic and number of events being planned for the area, the district was concerned about safely transporting students to and from school that day, especially if emergency management offices need to focus on the influx of visitors and traffic. School districts in other regions of the country that have experienced total eclipses like this have encountered those issues and the district decided to make the switch.
In addition, the eclipse will take place during dismissal for some schools, meaning students will be walking home or on a bus during that time, which would not provide them with the necessary protection. Most districts in the area have chosen either to dismiss early or close completely that day.
Please click on the following link to learn more about recommendations regarding the solar eclipse:
New York State Center for School Health
Pinhole Projection - A "pinhole projection” is the safest and most inexpensive way to watch a solar eclipse. Here are a few links of how to make some pinhole projection viewer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiT_KHRlSHQ
https://bellinghampubliclibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Make-a-pinhole.pdf
Following is a link to a slideshow that describes the various types of solar eclipses, including a total solar eclipse with the times totality will begin in CNY towns on April 8: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGAI6eSB1g/3UQBH9zIpInH576q-Z5Srg/view?utm_content=DAGAI6eSB1g&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=editor
Last year at Roxboro Road Middle School (RRMS), students and staff raised money for Elmcrest Children’s Center Emergency Respite program by selling bracelets that matched staff shirts. School Social Worker Beth Robbins said, "We had the students interview and learn about Elmcrest and share the information out to the school during morning announcements."
This year RRMS wanted to increase involvements so they're back with another opportunity for the entire school community to get involved. Designed by students, May Mental Health shirts are now available for purchase until April 7, 2024. Proceeds will support the CAN-TEEN
In late January the students submitted designs for this year’s t-shirts. In February the school's Principal’s Counsel picked the winning design, which was created by 6th Grader Ella Trabucco.
At their regular meeting on Monday, March 18, the North Syracuse Central School District Board of Education adopted a policy regarding Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The policy reflects the district's steadfast commitment to fostering an educational environment that values diversity, promotes equity, and ensures inclusion for all students and staff.
The policy outlines the steps the district will take to foster DEI in its schools. As part of the policy, the district is seeking to expand its current DEI committee and is looking for individuals willing to commit to the work. Potential members must be able to participate in monthly meetings after work hours. Interested persons should understand that students thrive in an environment free from discrimination and harassment and that our environments must promote respect and diversity to be successful.
You're invited to the North Syracuse Junior High School's 2024 Talent Show on Friday, April 12. This year's Y2K theme is a 90s throwback to the turn on the century. Producers warn that you may want to hold onto your eclipse glasses and bring them to the show as the lights will be hot!
Tickets are on sale now at my.hometown ticketing.com. General Admission tickets are $7 and Reserve seating is $10. Reserve seating enables patrons to pick their exact seat and skip any lines. General Admission tickets will also be available for $10 at the door. Doors open at 6:30.
The show will have lots of junior high staff participation for the in-between skits and filmed content, and a talented group of 8th and 9th grade students headlining the show. There are also special guest appearances from Tawn Marie's Dance Centre and Karate John's Demo Team, with junior high students participating.
The North Syracuse Central School District’s Mathematics Department recently shared some exciting highlights from district events that took place during the month of March! Mathematics Director Nick Scholz shares that students have been showcasing their exceptional talents and dedication, leaving an indelible mark in various regional and national competitions.
Middle School Math League (Grades 6-8)
MathCON (Grades 4-7)
Beginning in 1957, a week has been set aside to celebrate World Languages. In recent years, it has become the practice to have National World Language Week during the first full week of March. The purpose of this celebration is to make the United States aware of the need for the importance of World Language study. This year, CNS hosted World Language Week from Monday, March 4 to Friday, March 8. The World Language department worked hard to create events to inspire World Language Study throughout the school. These events included a donation drive to help support New Americans, a door decorating contest, a World Language Trivia Competition and photo opportunities throughout the school.
The theme of this year's World Language Week was "Language Learning Promotes Friendship." To communicate this message effectively to students, pairs of wings were displayed throughout the building. World language students, along with members of the Human Rights Club and English Language Learners, colored world flags that were then transformed into feathers, forming the wings. This installation provided a wonderful photo opportunity for all students. Accompanying the wings were messages promoting respect for all people, the exploration of new cultures, and the embrace of different perspectives.
Northstar Nelly is a contender for Mexico Academy/Central School District Mutt Madness
Mexico Academy and Central School District recently began a "Mutt Madness and Feline Frenzy" contest on their Facebook page and our own Northstar Nelly is moving on to the final competition! Nelly Bickford is a canine companion for CNS High School's School Resource Officer Luke Bickford and a constant fixture at the school. Learn more and vote for Nelly by going to the Mexico Academy and Central School District Facebook page.
Bugging out at Smith Road Elementary School
Pictured above and below: Smith Road Elementary School second grade teacher Danielle Preville shared some pictures from their CKLA Insect Domain celebration this past week. She wrote, "They created insects at home using all the knowledge they learned. Their insects needed three body parts (a head, a thorax, and an abdomen), antennae and six legs. Each student presented their insect to the class. We also played the game Headbands with Mrs. Maloney and Officer Jim, and the kids were able to give clues with all the information they learned."
Creative eclipse artwork at Cicero Elementary
Students in Pat Syrocki's art class at Cicero Elementary School have been preparing for the upcoming solar eclipse in a creative way by coming up with their own artistic versions of what they expect to see. Students will be able to keep their artwork as a remembrance of the historic event.
District Reminders!
APRIL 8: Solar Eclipse/Unused Snow Day Holiday - No School for Students or Staff
APRIL 12: North Syracuse Junior High School Talent Show at 7 PM (doors open at 6:30 PM) at the North Syracuse Junior High School Auditorium (5353 West Taft Rd.) in North Syracuse
APRIL 10: Board of Education meeting at 6 PM at the Jerome F. Melvin Administrative Office Building (5355 West Taft Rd.) in North Syracuse
APRIL 17: Board of Education meeting at 6 PM at the Jerome F. Melvin Administrative Office Building (5355 West Taft Rd.) in North Syracuse
North Syracuse Central School District
Email: webmaster@nscsd.org
Website: www.nscsd.org
Location: 5355 West Taft Road, Syracuse, NY, USA
Phone: (315) 218-2100
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NSyracuseCSD/