NorthStar Lights

Hello North Syracuse Central School District Students, Families, and Staff!

As we prepare to welcome the new year, I find myself reflecting on the journey we’ve shared over the past few months. Serving as your Interim Superintendent has been an honor and a privilege, and I am grateful for the warm welcome and support I’ve received from this remarkable community.

Leadership in this district is built upon a legacy of dedication and excellence, exemplified by those who have come before me. Former Superintendent Dan Bowles left this district with strong programs, an unwavering focus on student success and a collaborative spirit that continues to shape our schools. Dr. Jerome F. Melvin, who recently passed away, left an enduring legacy as a visionary leader committed to fostering teamwork and innovation. The contributions of the leaders of this district have created a solid foundation, and it has been my honor to continue their work during my time here.

This year, we’ve celebrated many accomplishments that reflect the heart and soul of this district—from exciting projects like the new community pool to burgeoning partnerships, like the one we have with Micron, that are opening doors to new opportunities for our students. These achievements would not be possible without the tireless efforts of all our staff members. From transportation to food service, security to instructional, administrative and all levels of student and school support, every department has done a tremendous job with incredible professionalism. Your dedication ensures that our schools are safe, welcoming and inspiring places for our students to learn and grow, and I am so grateful for each of you.

As I prepare to pass the baton to Dr. Terry Ward, who will officially assume the role of Superintendent on Jan. 6, 2025, I am confident that this district’s best days lie ahead. Dr. Ward’s vision and passion will build on the strengths of this community, continuing the legacy of leadership that has made North Syracuse so special.

Thank you for the privilege of leading this district, even for a brief time. I will cherish the relationships I’ve built here and the sense of unity and purpose that defines North Syracuse. It has been an honor to serve you and I look forward to watching this community thrive in the years to come.

Warm regards,

Michael Schiedo, Interim Superintendent
North Syracuse Central School District

When there is inclement or forecasted inclement weather, the decision to close school, delay opening or dismiss early is based on travel conditions and weather predictions to ensure the safety of all students and staff.

When schools are closed because of weather conditions or other emergencies, announcements are sent on ParentSquare and posted on the district website. Other emergency conditions, such as impending storms, may require students to be dismissed before regular school closing time. Early closing/dismissal announcements are also sent through ParentSquare and posted on the district website.

While emergency closings are also shared with local media, district communications are the first and best source of information.

PREPARE NOW

• Update your contact information: Contact your student’s school to request changes to your email address or phone number in SchoolTool. These changes can take up to 24 hours to process and update.
• Transportation: Ensure arrangements are in place for early dismissal situations. Please inform your student’s school.
• Community Alerts: Grandparents and others can sign up for emergency alerts on ParentSquare.
• YMCA Childcare: YMCA childcare programs located within NSCSD elementary schools may have permission to remain open in some instances. If school is closed for an emergency, all buildings in the NSCSD must be closed and YMCA programs are also canceled. Parents with children in a YMCA program located in a school should check directly with the organization regarding program closures.

The North Syracuse Central School District has an important update regarding the distribution of elementary student report cards. As part of our ongoing efforts to streamline communication, enhance accessibility and support sustainability, we are transitioning to an online viewing system for elementary report cards.

What Does This Mean for Families?
Instead of receiving a printed copy of your child’s report card, families will now access report cards digitally through SchoolTool. This convenient system enables parents and guardians to view, download and print report cards from any device with internet access, providing flexibility and easy access to important academic updates.

How It Works

• ParentSquare Notification: You’ll receive a notification via ParentSquare when report cards are available.
• Accessing Report Cards: Simply follow the SchoolTool login directions provided to view and manage your child’s report card.
• Support for Families Without Internet Access: If you do not have access to a computer or the internet, please contact us, and we will work with you to ensure you receive your child’s report card in an alternative format.

This update will enhance your ability to stay informed about your child’s progress while aligning with our commitment to sustainability. Thank you for adapting to this change as we continue to improve our communication and services for students and families.

For questions or assistance, please contact your child’s school directly.

Directions for accessing report cards

Is your child ready for preschool? The North Syracuse Central School District (NSCSD) is excited to be able to offer free half-day and full-day Universal Prekindergarten (UPK) programs for the 2025-26 school year. If your child will be 4 years of age by Dec. 1., 2025, they are eligible for free preschool programming for the 2025-26 school year. Transportation is provided for some UPK locations.

Enrollment will begin on Jan. 6 and the initial lottery will end on Feb. 6. Placements will be determined by a lottery system and notifications will be sent to families in March. Visit www.nscsd.org/upk to learn more and to secure a spot once enrollment opens on Jan. 6. If your child is already 4 and not enrolled in a preschool program, you can also join the wait list for this year’s program.

It is with profound sadness that the North Syracuse Central School District announces the passing of Dr. Jerome F. Melvin, former Superintendent of Schools and namesake of the District’s Administration Building. Dr. Melvin, whose career in education spanned decades, was a dedicated leader, advocate and visionary whose impact on the district and community is immeasurable.

Dr. Melvin first retired from his post as Superintendent on Aug. 30, 2000, only to return to the district in 2006 after serving in multiple interim superintendencies across the region. During his tenure, he demonstrated exceptional leadership, compassion and an unwavering commitment to student success. He guided the district through challenges and opportunities with a steady hand, creating a collaborative environment where staff, students and families thrived.

Read more online

On Saturday, Dec. 7, several Cicero-North Syracuse High School (CNS) musical ensembles will be making special performances as part of a local tree lighting ceremony. The Town of Cicero Tree Lighting Ceremony is taking place at Cicero Fire Station #1 from 5 to 7 PM and guests will be treated to several musical selections from the school's different music groups. Musical performances take place from 5 to 6:15 PM and include the following:

• 5:00 PM - CNS Orchestra and Jazz Choir
• 5:30 PM - CNS Jazz Ensemble
• 6:00 PM - CNS Jazz Chorus

Many thanks to our talented student musicians and the ensembles' directors for sharing their talent at this community event!

At the Nov. 18 Board of Education meeting, we proudly recognized some of our district's talented musicians for being selected to prestigious music ensembles.

Congratulations to the following students:

• Joseph Cannella (9th grade) for being selected to participate in the 2024 New York State School Music Association Junior High Area All-State Band for trumpet
• Katlyn Chrisley (9th grade) for being selected to participate in the 2024 New York State School Music Association Junior High Area All-State Band for flute
• Mirah Cook (9th grade) for being selected to participate in the 2024 New York State Music Association Junior High Area All-State Band for alto saxophone
• Abigail Gable (10th grade) for being selected to participate in the 2024 New York State Music Association Senior High Area All-State Concert Band for French horn
• Emma Hurne (11th grade) for being selected to participate in the 2024 New York State Music Association Senior High Area All-State Concert Band for flute
• Andrea Iqbal (12th grade) for being selected to participate in the 2024 New York State Music Association Conference All-State Symphony Orchestra and Senior High Area All-State Symphony Orchestra for piccolo
• Brooke Mahaffy (12th grade) for being selected to participate in the 2024 New York State Music Association Senior High Area All-State Concert Band for trumpet
• Mark Morris (9th grade) for being selected to participate in the 2024 New York State Music Association Junior High Area All-State Band for trombone
• Kristian Reichard (11th grade) for being selected to participate in the 2024 New York State Association Conference All-State as an Alternate and Senior High Area All-State Symphony Orchestra for French horn
• Jamison Walker (12th grade) for being selected to participate in the 2024 New York State Association Senior High Area All-State Symphony Orchestra for trumpet
• Elias VanDreason (11th grade) for being selected to participate in the 2024 New York State Music Association Senior High Area All-State Symphony Orchestra for violin
• Emma Wall (12th grade) for being selected to participate in the 2024 New York State Association Senior High Area All-State Concert Band for clarinet

The students pictured above were able to attend the Nov. 18 Board of Education meeting.

Congratulations to the Cicero-North Syracuse High School Class of 2025 Business and Marketing Honor Society inductees. The CNS Business and Marketing Honor Society is sponsored by the Business Teachers Association of New York State.

2025 is the 15th year CNS has participated in the honor society. Overall, 26 CNS students, all seniors, qualified for the honor society based on the following criteria: minimum GPA of 88 in Marketing/Business Courses; minimum GPA of 80 overall; completion of at least 2 credits of Business Courses prior to their junior year with plans to complete a third credit during senior year; proof of Character, Leadership, and Service provided in the form of a recommendation letter.

Read more online

On Tuesday, Nov. 19, the North Syracuse Central School District (NSCSD) made a “sweet” contribution to the North Area Meals on Wheels program hoping to enhance Thanksgiving meals for some special community members. John Rice, NSCSD’s Director of Science and CTE, delivered more than 40 homemade pumpkin pies to North Area Meals on Wheels.

District administrators joined forces to fund the initiative, each contributing $15 to support the effort. These funds were used to purchase supplies for more than 40 homemade pumpkin pies, which will accompany the Thanksgiving meals delivered to Meals on Wheels clients.

Read more online

As the holidays approach, many people are dealing with added stress. To help combat the large number of concerns that creep up this time of year, our Social Emotional Learning Director Jennifer DiBianco has compiled a list of upcoming webinars and resources. Click on the links below to learn more about individual events and resources.

Webinars:

• Dec. 11: Mental Health Apps, ChatBots, and Digital Therapy for Kids: What You Need to Know
• Dec. 12: Family Education Webinar: Family Roundtable Discussion
• Jan. 15: Eating Disorders in Transgender, Gender Diverse, and Intersex Populations

Resources:

• Managing Holiday Stress: Strategies for Cultivating Calm and Contentment
• Nine 5-Minute SEL Activities to Try Today
• Paths to Equity: Addressing Mental Health Disparities for Black and Hispanic Youth (Recorded webinar)

C-NS students learn how to budget money, life skills through unique program: Nov. 12, 2024 on LocalSyr.com by: Ashley Cafaro

We love to share photos and videos from our students, families and teachers. If you're willing to share, please do! We'll be using your photos in this newsletter and other publications throughout the school year. Additionally, high resolution, horizontal photos will be considered for the District website. If you'd like to share pictures, please email them to our Communications Officer, Laurie Cook at lcook@nscsd.org.

The food service department staff at Gillette Road Middle School are all about spreading holiday cheer! Pictured above, the ladies in the kitchen take a minute out of their day to pose for a picture in their matching holiday t-shirts. Many thanks to Jill Coleman for sharing this picture!

Cicero-North Syracuse High School teacher Ashley D’Imperio recently shared a creative and educational project her Preschool Development students undertook.

Here's what she had to say:

“In class, we’ve been studying child development concepts during the toddler stage (ages 1-3) and learning about objective observation. To put our knowledge into practice, my students planned a toddler play day, where they observed and interacted with toddlers through themed activities they created themselves!

Each class collaborated to choose a theme, brainstorm large motor, art, sensory, and snack activities, and decide on a final plan. They did all the preparation, led the activities and ensured a fun, engaging experience for the toddlers.”

This particular class chose the theme “Disney” and brought the magic to life through thoughtful activities and teamwork. Way to go, students! Your hard work and creativity shine bright! What a creative collaboration! #NSBrighterTogether

Roxboro Road Elementary School Counselor Kerry Delduchetto shared a photo from a community donation that was made to the school yesterday and our hearts are full. Two members of the quilting club (Diane and Lynn) at the Gathering Place Church stopped over to Rox. to donate over 60 handmade hats to our students. They even made extra soft hats for children with sensory needs.

KWS Bear Road Elementary School teacher Jo Andrews shared this photo of students proudly showcasing some of the items collected for this month’s Positivity Project theme: Gratitude. These donations will go to the CanTeen, a local youth center serving students in grades 8-12, where they can connect with friends, grab a bite to eat, talk to someone or even get help with schoolwork. This initiative not only reinforces the importance of gratitude but also highlights the Bear Road community's commitment to supporting local youth in meaningful ways.

During the month of November, several NSCSD English as a New Language teachers attended the 54th annual NYS TESOL conference in Rochester. The conference theme was “Pathways to Empowerment: Navigating Agency and Affirmation.” Ms. Ariana Rosario and Mrs. Danielle Taylor presented, “Reading and Writing Interventions for ELLs” while Dr. Susanna Cook presented, “A Mile in their Shoes.” Thank you so these wonderful teachers for doing a great job representing the NSCSD!

The North Syracuse Central School District and our schools utilize ParentSquare for school to home and district to home communications.

Parent/guardian information is pulled from SchoolTool, the district's student data management system. All parents that have an email or cell phone in SchoolTool automatically have an account created in ParentSquare. ParentSquare training is available online for parents/guardians looking for additional information or online help and resources.

DEC. 7: CNS Music Ensembles perform at Cicero Tree Lighting from 5 to 6 PM at the Cicero Fire Department Station #1 (8377 Brewerton Rd.) in Cicero

DEC. 9-15: Computer Science in Education Week

DEC. 10: District-Wide Spelling Bee at 2 PM at the Jerome F. Melvin Administrative Office Building (5355 West Taft Rd.) in North Syracuse

DEC. 13: NSEA & Book Van-Go Holiday Family Night from 4 to 6 PM at the North Syracuse Early Education Program (205 South Main St.) in North Syracuse

DEC. 16: Board of Education meeting at 6 PM at the Jerome F. Melvin Administrative Office Building (5355 West Taft Rd.) in North Syracuse

DEC 23-JAN 3: Holiday Recess - No School for Students or Staff

JAN 6: School Resumes

JAN 6: PreKindergarten Registration Opens

Website: www.nscsd.org
Location: 5355 West Taft Road, Syracuse, NY, USA
Phone: (315) 218-2100
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NSyracuseCSD/