
Superintendent Zipp's...
Week in Review (1/3-1/6)
The district character word of the month for January is EFFORT. My intention was to talk about student achievement as it relates to EFFORT, but I am taking a different path. In light of what has happened to Damar Hamlin, people have made an EFFORT to show gratitude with donations, as well as many positive social media posts. Sometimes, these EFFORTS only last a short period of time. My hope is that if we take anything from Damar Hamlin, it is his message that he posted on his social media once before. Let's put our EFFORT towards making this happen everyday and every chance we get.
Scott Zipp
Superintendent
Dr. Christopher Salinas Named Middle School Principal
The Cheektowaga Central School District (CSD) named Dr. Christopher Salinas to the position of Middle School Principal. Salinas will focus on developing a positive school culture and climate for students, staff, and parents while guiding our students and school to excellence.
Salinas comes to Cheektowaga CSD from Albert Leonard Middle School in the City School District of New Rochelle, where he served as the assistant principal. His career in education spans over two decades, having been a social studies teacher, coach, department chairperson, assistant principal, and for a majority of his career, building principal.
He earned a Bachelor's degree from St. John Fisher College in History and then went on to receive both his Master's degree and Doctoral degree from the University of Rochester. His master’s thesis focused on inclusionary education and his doctoral dissertation centered upon comprehensive school reform. In addition to his teaching and administrative certifications, he held a National Board Certification (NBPTS) in early adolescence social studies while teaching.
Salinas and his wife, Andrea, are the proud parents of four children ranging in age from elementary school to college.
When asked, Salinas said “I chose to accept employment with Cheektowaga CSD because of its longstanding commitment to the success of all students and the outstanding team of professionals in our classrooms, our school and district-based leadership team, and Board of Education.”
Mr. Joshua Strzelec Named High School Assistant Principal
Mr. Strzelec will be joining the High School team as an Assistant Principal. Mr. Strzelec feels extremely fortunate to be joining the dynamic administration team and passionate group of educators at CCHS. He completed his undergraduate work in mathematics, graduate work in education, and administrative coursework all at the University of Buffalo.
For the first six years of his career, he taught middle/high school math, coached multiple sports, and instructed driver education. Mr. Strzelec went on to serve as an assistant principal for the past year and half. His decision to become an administrator came from a strong desire to help others achieve more than they realize they are capable of. As a Cheektowaga Central graduate, he is thrilled to return to the district to support the students and staff in every way possible.
On a more personal note, Mr. Strzelec and his wife focus most of their time on their three children. He believes that the people you care/root for become a part of your home, work, or school family. It is because of this that Mr. Strzelec can’t wait to rejoin the CCHS family and begin building relationships with the students, staff, and community.
8th Grade English Classes
Classes then talked about the effort it took to become an NFL football player and how Damar Hamlin, a member of the Buffalo Bills, is the perfect example of a person who gives great effort, on and off of the football field. Every 8th grade ELA student created a get well card for Mr. Hamlin. The cards are being collected as part of a community effort to send well wishes to an incredible athlete.
Students Building Relationships Across the District
Union East's Young Athletes Program
The Young Athletes program is designed to promote social inclusion through shared play and sports training. Unified sports and play joins people with and without intellectual/physical differences on the same team. It is inspired by a simple principle: Training together and playing together is a path to friendship and understanding. The program plans on introducing basic sport skills, like running, kicking and throwing. Young Athletes offers families, teachers, caregivers, and people from the community the chance to share the joy of sports with all children. Young Athletes provide children of all abilities the same opportunities to advance in core developmental milestones. Children learn how to play with others and develop important skills for learning. Children also learn to share, take turns and follow directions. These skills help children in family, community, and school activities. Young Athletes is a fun way for children to stay active and establish healthy habits for the future. It is important to teach children healthy habits while they are young. This can set the stage for a life of physical activity, friendships and learning.
Meals on Wheels
CONGRATULATIONS MRS. FORMATO!
Looking into next week...
Erin's Law Presentation for Union East's Parents/Guardians: January 11th at 5:30pm
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND and GO BILLS!
Superintendent
Cheektowaga Central School District
Email: szipp@ccsd-k12.net
Website: www.cheektowagak12.org
Location: 3600 Union Road, Cheektowaga, NY, USA
Phone: 716 686 3600
Facebook: facebook.com/CheektowagaCentral.CCSD
Twitter: @CheektowagaCSD