Cortland Schools

District Newsletter, November 2024

Honoring Our Veterans

Schools Across the District Honor Veterans on Veterans Day

In a heartfelt tribute to those who have served in the armed forces, classes throughout the district came together to celebrate Veterans Day with a variety of meaningful activities. Students engaged in a range of projects designed to express their gratitude and appreciation for the sacrifices made by veterans. One of the highlights of the commemorations was at Smith School, where the community held a special veterans celebration. The event featured performances by students, who sang patriotic songs that resonated with the audience, creating a warm and festive atmosphere. Veterans in attendance were honored with cards crafted by the students, each one filled with personal messages of thanks and admiration. The initiative encouraged students to connect with local veterans and express their appreciation through handwritten letters. Many classes participated in this heartfelt endeavor, fostering a sense of respect and understanding for the service and dedication of those who have served their country. As the district continues to promote awareness and respect for veterans, the enthusiasm and creativity displayed by students this Veterans Day serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring those who have bravely defended our freedoms.

Special Events This Month

11/27/24 - 11/29/24 Thanksgiving Recess, NO SCHOOL

Weekly Blast

Check out the Weekly Blast featuring the Eighth Grade!

Vitamin Z in Print

The students in the Junior High are hearing positive quotes on a daily basis and diving into the Positivity Project “character trait of the week” each Wednesday during learning block.

In the month of November, our students will hear about the character traits, Kindness, Self-Control, and Gratitude. They will hear quotes like, “Be kind to people. You will be remembered more for your kindness than any level of success you could possibly ever attain”. As we get closer to Thanksgiving, students will hear quotes that relate to Gratitude. “Never let the things you want make you forget all of the things that you have”.

Having a positive outlook is a choice, not always an easy one, but it ultimately is up to you. Here at the Junior High School, we choose happiness and positivity. That does not mean that sadness and tough times do not exist, it just means that we know things will be OK.

Thank you for your support!

2024 Mock Election

The Social Studies Department will be conducting its first ever Mock Presidential Election for students in grades 7-12. Students will cast their vote in Social Studies class via a Google Form on Friday, November 1. Results will be shared on Monday, November 4. This Mock Election will allow students the opportunity to learn the process of how presidential voting occurs, including both the popular and electoral college votes. Hats off to the Social Studies Department staff for all their hard work leading up to this engaging event. The week leading up to the election will include presidential and election trivia on our morning announcements.

Junior High Area All-State and Winter Concert Season

Junior High Area All-State is November 1st and 2nd at Homer High School. Congratulations to Quintin Hill, Andrew Camillo, Sophia Ramiza, Michaela Cullen, and Anelia Corbin on their acceptance to the festival and have fun!

Winter Concerts are quickly approaching! Mark your calendar and check out the following concerts:

Thursday, December 5 - Randall Concert 6:00, @ HS Auditorium
Tuesday, December 10 - JSHS Bands Concert 7:00, @ HS Auditorium
Wednesday, December 11 - District Orchestras Concert 7:00, @ HS Auditorium
Thursday, December 12 - 4th Grade Smith School Concert 6:00, @ HS Auditorium
Wednesday, December 18- JSHS Choirs Concert 7:00 @ HS Auditorium
Thursday, December 19 - Modern Band Show at 6:30 Rose Hall.

ADK trip to Raquette Lake

A group of senior high school students traveled to Raquette Lake September 27-29. We used the SUNY Antlers facility at Raquette Lake as our base station while we explored different places in the ADK. We walked the old carriage trail at Sagamore Great Camp and discussed the history of these camps, explored the fen at Ferd’s bog and found the carnivorous plants that live there, visited the old growth at Cathedral Pines and marveled at their size and couldn’t imagine what the Adirondacks would look like when it was clear cut, visited the ADK Experience and learned about the activities and history of the area, hiked up Blue Mountain to the fire tower and learned a lot about ourselves and what we can accomplish, and shared each other’s company over S’mores and Wizard games.

New Book Cart at Smith Intermediate School

Have you heard about the new book cart at Smith Intermediate? Your child can purchase new and used books for 25 cents each or 5/$1.00 every morning from 8:10-8:45 in Mrs. Buchalla's room. New books are added daily, and students get a free bookmark with each purchase. The cart is incredibly popular, with many students visiting it several times a week! It is sponsored by PTO.

Teacher of Excellence Award

Dionne DePuy was awarded the Teacher of Excellence Award at the opening day ceremonies this year.

Tiger Paw Awards

Mr. Edwards presented a Tiger Paw award to Jordon Lilley at the October 29th Board of Education meeting.