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Superintendent's Weekly News Update
For the week ending February 16, 2024
National SRO Day
February 15th was National School Resource Officer Day. This year, we honored our SROs at the February Board Meeting, and thanked them for their above-and-beyond service to our students and staff. Some of the duties our SROs perform, other than basic safety, are as follows:
- Kindergarten D.A.R.E. - Our officers' lecture to students about safety and focus on building a relationship with the students as Kindergarteners so they see the Police as people they can trust.
- Child Abuse Prevention - Our officers utilize a program from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children to teach children rules of personal safety to prevent physical and sexual abuse.
- D.A.R.E. - This valuable program consists of weekly lessons to students in subject areas such as bullying, peer pressure, stress, communication, responsibility, drugs, and more.
- Internet & Computer Safety - Our officers lectures include being a good digital citizen, anti-bullying & cyber-bullying, appropriate and inappropriate uses of the internet & social media and being able to identify grooming behaviors used by predators online to prevent sexual exploitation.
- Criminal Law in Classes - Our officers push into various classes across the curriculum to present about the legal system and police work.
- Forensic Crime Investigation Classes, including a full-scale mock crime scene exercise that partners with Syracuse University and School District Faculty to provide a hands-on learning experience in the field of crime scene investigation.
- DWI –Alcohol Awareness and prevention classes - Our officers lecture to students about making good decisions in regard to alcohol and show the potential real-life consequences of alcohol / drug related motor vehicle violations.
- Freshman Orientation and the Role of the SRO in a High School Setting highlights to parents and students about what to expect in High School, roles and responsibilities, current drug trends and police actions in school & body cameras.
SROs are our colleagues, our friends, and they make us feel safe and secure as we go about the business of educating our children. We thank them from the bottom of our hearts!
Above: Abigail Quick, Captain John Urbanski, Michael Rybak, David Jarczyk, Adam Schnitzer, and
Jeremy Maloney.
Legislator Lorigo Visits West Middle
Last week, Legislator Lindsay Lorigo issued a proclamation to the West Middle NJHS, thanking them for participating in a Valentines for Seniors service project.
Mrs. Lorigo, elected this past January, let the students know that she will personally deliver the cards, emphasizing that the cards make a big difference in the seniors' lives and that they "keep them forever."
"Civil Service is important because we live in a world so much bigger than us," she said, adding that it is important for the students to be involved as a part of their community. This is the same NJHS that collected and delivered 500 lbs. of Halloween candy to our troops last year.
The students had a lot of curiosity about Mrs. Lorigo's career and how she came to be a legislator. In answering their many questions, Mrs. Lorigo explained that she majored in Political Science and Urban Studies and spent three years working as a staffer in the Erie County Legislature and State Assembly. She now works full time in digital marketing for a senior care provider. And she's a mom.
Lorigo told the students she decided to be a legislator after husband, who previously held the seat, went to the Supreme Court. She says her favorite part of her new duties is consensus building and working toward change to benefit the people in her district. She said she is serious about being the voice of the community she serves.
Whether It's county roads, or senior access to county golf courses, Lorigo said she is ready to represent her constituents. She said, "There are difficult decisions to be made every day, and sometimes you have to make a hard decision to make the best decision."
One student asked what she hopes she'll be able to look back at in 10 years, and she was quick to answer that she wants to be able to say she made a difference. She referenced what Congressman Brian Higgins pushed for and accomplished in the development of Buffalo's Canalside.
The message she left with students was, "Pay attention to government and the way it affects lives every day." She also told students they might consider a career in government.
Meet Bekah: Academy of Visual Arts
In this life, there are certain people who have so many varied talents that it becomes hard for them to choose one career path to follow. East Senior’s Rebekah Fineour is one of these people. A 12th-grader in the Academy of Visual Arts, “Bekah” is multi-talented. One look at her artwork and most people would say she’s ready to join the art world as a contender, but Bekah has different ideas.
Bekah has always been able to express herself well through drawing, and through the years she has garnered plenty of encouragement from teachers, her parents, and her peers to keep it up. Her father is the person who ultimately talked her into the Visual Arts Academy. Though Bekah may not have initially thought it was the best fit, she has no regrets. In high school, she also participated in National Honor Societies for both English and Art. She is also in Class Council, Spanish Club, is a yearbook photographer, and has enjoyed her time in the Drama Club as part of the stage crew.
From an avid love of drawing in elementary school, Bekah has had whole new worlds open to her in the Academy. She learned how to use several new mediums, from charcoal and pastels to oil paints - which she loves. Bekah’s East Senior art teacher, Mr. Perna, is also duly impressed with Bekah’s talents and placed a painting of a deer she had done in a gallery at the UB Center for the Performing Arts.
In their junior year, all AVA students participate in an art adjudication exercise during which local artists assess and talk to students about their artwork. One such adjudicator, after seeing Bekah’s self-portrait, commissioned Bekah to do a portrait of her. The resulting work of art is fun, in Bekah’s inimitable style, and the artist was happy to receive it. Making art for a seasoned artist is proof-positive that Bekah has talent.
“I love all of my art classes,” Bekah says. “I’ve had a chance to take multiple electives, and I just got into photography.” Bekah also has tried her hand at ceramics and sculpture, and says she’s using the new digital camera her mother recently got her all of the time. Expression and creation go hand-in hand. “I will always do art,” Bekah says. “I don't think I could live without it. It keeps me from boiling over.”
For Bekah though, writing has always had great allure. One could say that, like art, writing has been another form of self-expression for her, and one that she would like to focus on in college and a career. Realizing that there are careers in which she can use both of her passion skills - writing and art - she says she would like to major in journalism and minor in art. “I thought about becoming an art critic or doing photo-journalism,” she says.
Bekah has applied to universities that can offer everything she needs, and now it’s a matter of deciding between Michigan State, Buffalo State, the University at Buffalo, NYU, Syracuse and Pace. All have offered scholarships.
What would Bekah tell 9th graders who are looking at the Academies? “Just do it,” she says. “I thought I wouldn’t like it, but I’ve watched my work improve. I’ve grown as an artist.” To that she adds,” And I’ve had amazing teachers who know what they're talking about.”
Whatever Bekah decides to do with her career, she will always have art and a career that helps her to pay for all the supplies she wants.
Academy Portfolio Reviews
On February 13, our 12th-grade Engineering Academy students participated in a Mid-Year Critique. Our students were able to present their unique product ideas to various Engineering Advisory Board members.
Our professional engineering partners were able to provide feedback and advice to our East and West 12th-graders to assist them in their journey of product design and development. Students were able to ask the experts questions that they had in regard to their ideas.
We can't wait to see what their final products are. Come and see them on May 30th at East Senior.
College Signings
Sean Clouden: Alfred State – Division III - Football
Elaine Clouden (Mom); Jim Clouden (Dad)
Abbigail Millard: Alfred State College – Division III - Softball
Michelle Millard (Mom), Ashley Bonetto (HS Coach)
Carly Lawrence: SUNY Geneseo – Division III - Soccer
Emily Lawrence (Sister), Bryan Lawrence (Dad), Kristin Lawrence (Mom), Justin DiLoro (Coach)
Kieran Eagen: Buffalo State – Division III - Volleyball
Sean Eagen (Dad), Melissa Eagen (Mom)
Miranda Zipp: University at Buffalo – Division I - Softball
Scott Zipp (Dad), Vicky Zipp (Mom), Brett Zipp (Brother)
Cameron Whittaker: SUNY Brockport – Division III – Football
Beth Whittaker (Mom); Don Whittaker (Dad)
Jenna Wojtkowiak: Mercyhurst University – Division II – Softball
Lorraine Wojtkowiak (Mother), Marc Wojtkowiak (Father), Jake Wojtkowiak (Brother), Donald Benker (HS Coach)
February Students of the Month
West Senior’s February Students of the Month
Ben Gates, Grade 9
ART: Nicole Smith
Ben is a hard working talented artist. He puts forth great effort in his artwork.
Colton Brown, Grade 11
BUSINESS: Rachel Funk
He possesses traits that identify himself as a student who can be trusted and counted upon. He is very respectful and kind to his classmates. Everyone around him is treated with respect and kindness.
Donovan John, Grade 12
CHARACTER AND CITIZENSHIP: Leah Villari
Donovan is a kind, hard working student. He has made outstanding progress in reading over the past two years. Donovan's perseverance and determination consistently impress me!
Ben Zimbardi, Grade 9
ENGLISH: Tina Kalson
Ben always comes to class with a smile on his face and is ready to learn. He consistently shows respect for both his peers and teachers. I'm very lucky to have him in class this year.
Madison Giardina, 12
HEALTH: Ben Hamm
Madison comes in with an eagerness to learn. She adds personal examples to enrich the lessons and is courteous and uplifting to her classmates.
Shelby White, Grade 9
MATH: Bridgett Butera
Shelby works very hard both in class and outside of class. She frequently stays after school and completes optional assignments to practice her Algebra skills. She is very determined and should be proud of everything she is doing in Algebra 1!
Isabel McCormick, Grade 10
MUSIC: Eve Roushey
Izzy is an outstanding member of our string ensemble! She works hard and is dedicated to the violin. Outside of school she takes private lessons, is a member of the Southtowns Youth Orchestra, and volunteers for Buffalo String Works.
Sean Berrios, Grade 11
PHYSICAL EDUCATION: Nick Sereday
Sean displays many qualities that will make him a successful young adult in today's society. He is a great classmate to others and is always willing to help when asked. Well done Sean and keep up the great work.
Autumn Schnitzer, Grade 9
SCIENCE: Lynn Barrett
Autumn immediately impressed me with her devotion to our school community as well as her academics. She continuously challenges herself and strives to excel in science. Autumn shares her compassion for others and is a positive role model for her peers.
Devin Becker, Grade 10
SOCIAL STUDIES: Jack Graham
Devin is a talented and hardworking student. He's friendly and helpful to everyone in our class and does outstanding work.
Meadow Mayer, Grade 12
TECHNOLOGY: Jeff Root
Meadow is a hard worker that never takes "no" for an answer. We can always count on her.
Matthew Wilczak, Grade 10
WORLD LANGUAGE: Jessica Nice
Matthew is an outstanding student. Having previously studied French, Matthew eagerly jumped into Spanish 2 and has shown to be incredibly hard working and always striving to learn more. ¡Bien hecho Mateo!
Star Reader: Ava Berzins
East Senior’s February Students of the Month
Marlie Brandi-Bernard - Grade 10
ART: Mrs. Beyer
Marlie is an outstanding young artist. She has an incredible work ethic and positive attitude. She is a pleasure to have in class.
Emily Thompson - Grade 11
BUSINESS: Rachel Funk
What sets Emily apart is her remarkable creativity. In my Web Design class, she approaches challenges with a fresh perspective and problem solves her projects.
Jason Porter - Grade 9
COMMUNITY SERVICE & LEADERSHIP: Laura Tobia
Jason is an outstanding individual who always wants to do the right thing. He is respectful, kind and ambitious. He is a leader by example. He always does his very best in everything he does, whether it is school work or building jobs. I am so proud to know him!
Nathan Riley - Grade 11
ENGLISH: Mr. Hartz
Always interested in what we're doing, good writer, good reader, & always has his work completed. Nate advocates for himself in being responsible for anything missed. He's an all around awesome student.
Liam Krempholtz - Grade 12
HEALTH: J. Oliva
Liam is extremely active in class and in class discussion. He is a lifelong learner who wants to know what will set him up for a healthy future.
Hannah Spencer - Grade 11
MATH: Mrs. McCabe
Hannah is challenging herself and taking both Pre Calc and NU Stats as a Junior. She is excelling in both classes and is an incredibly driven student.
Emily Putnam - Grade 12
MUSIC: Mr. Farugia
Emily is very active in the music program, participating in multiple ensembles and she is performing a lead role in the musical Freaky Friday. Emily works hard and is a leader in the department.
Alesh Khoury - Grade 11
PHYS ED: J.Maurino
Alesh is always prepared, participates to his fullest, and exhibits sportsmanship at all times.
Jon Leising - Grade 10
SCIENCE: Mr. Hart
Jon takes a serious approach to learning. He has excelled in Earth Science despite the challenges of being in a block 1 class, not being in an actual science classroom, and all of the many other things life throws at him…in addition to being an exceptionally polite young man.
Nathan Files - Grade 12
SOCIAL STUDIES: J. Godzala
Nathan is a quiet unassuming person who always shows up on time, prepared, ready to work, putting forth his best effort.
Zach Pawlowski - Grade 11
TECHNOLOGY: Kutina and Cook
Zach is an outstanding in the Technology Education Department. He is a real leader both in the classroom and in the Engineering Club of which he is president. Congratulations Zach!
Ryan Delaney - Grade 11
WORLD LANGUAGE: Kerri Krueger
Ryan is an outstanding world language student. He participates in class, has beautiful pronunciation and is always willing to help out in the classroom. Très bien fait Ryan!
East Varsity Bowling Headed to State Championships
This week, the East Varsity Boys Bowling team captured the Section VI Class C & Division 2 Championships for the second consecutive year. The team advances to the 2024 NYSPHSAA Bowling State Championships on Friday March 8th - Sunday March 10th in Syracuse NY.
Congratulations to Coach Lazazzero, Zack Spengler, Josh Zajac, Jacob Ouellette, Brayden Delaney, Jacob Racsumberger, Jacob Zajac, Nick Biondolillo, and Coach Stablewski.
West Athletes of the Month January
Name: Alexis Heyd Grade: 10
Sport: Bowling
Coach: Sam Sebastian
Example of sportsmanship: Alexis always cheers on her teammates and creates a wonderful atmosphere of team sportsmanship.
Athletic performance: Alexis is improving each week of the season with her game average.
Coach’s quote: "Alexis is a great teammate and works very hard to get better for each match."
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Name: Savannah Masella Grade: 12
Coach: Valeree Griffin
Example of sportsmanship:
Savannah has an extremely positive attitude and displays excellent sportsmanship at every practice and game. She enjoys cheering on her teammates by pushing them to achieve new skills as well as cheering for the basketball team hoping for a win each game!
Athletic performance: Savannah is always ready and willing to step into whatever role is needed on the team. One day she may be flying, the next basing or even back spotting! I have complete confidence that she will always give 100% in everything she tries all while keeping a positive attitude. This season she has taken on the extra task of teaching some of her newer teammates all our sideline cheers and dances. This has been a huge help and an absolute pleasure to see her leadership skills shine.
Coach’s quote: “Savannah is an incredible athlete. Her presence always brightens the mood, and she has such an amazingly positive attitude which spreads to those around her. She never misses practice and maintains her grades to a very high standard. It has been very special to watch her grow as an athlete and person over the last 6 years. I am very excited to watch her finish her senior year and embark on a new journey after she graduates. I know she will excel in anything she sets her mind to!”
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Name: Lexi Hodil Grade: 12
Sport: Varsity Ice Hockey
Coach: Cooper/Embree
Example of Sportsmanship: Lexi is one of the quieter athletes on the team. However, she is pretty easy going both at practice and during games! She is always in a good mood, never complains and is always willing to jump in the game without hesitation. She is a talented and humble player.
Athletic Performance: "Lexi recently scored the winning goal against Williamsville. She currently has 2 goals and 1 assist so far this season."
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Name: Delaney Banks Grade: 12
Sport: Indoor Track and Field
Coach: Brian Kader
Example of sportsmanship: Delaney is the most outwardly positive member of the team. She is always hyping up her teammates in drill sessions, the weight room and competitions. Her excitement for the sport is awesome to be around.
Athletic performance: Delaney hit personal bests and sectional qualifiers in the weight throw and shot put during the month of January. She has doubled down in practice and has clear goals she wants to achieve in throwing and the weight room. Achieving these has become a driving force for her throughout the month. She has also started running relays for us and added to our depth. She will often come to both the throwing and sprinting practices each day to keep herself ready in case we need her in a relay.
Coach’s quote: "Delaney’s enthusiasm and success are tied together. Having fun and enjoying the sport goes such a long way towards improving yourself. She has put together a very good month and this should feed into our championship season. She is our team leader in her events and should continue to raise those stats throughout February. She makes the atmosphere fun to coach in."
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Name: Jayden Ecker Grade: 10th
Sport: Girls Varsity Basketball
Coach: Joe Dougherty
Example of sportsmanship:
Jayden always has a positive attitude and is always encouraging her teammates.
Athletic performance:
Jayden is averaging 12pts, 6 rebounds, 3 steals, and 3.5 assists per game. She has had game highs of 21,20 and 17 points this month.
Coach’s quote: "Jayden practices every day like it's game day, and plays every game like it's her last. She gives everything that she has, each and every game."
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Name: Kyle Dailey Grade: 12
Sport: Hockey
Coach: Kevin Rozo
Athletic performance: Kyle recorded 226 saves on 244 shots for an impressive .926 save percentage and a 2.72 goals against average during the month of January. Including 45 saves on 48 shots against Will North. He also just led us to a huge 3-2 win over Clarence, making 35 saves in that contest.
Coach’s quote: "Kyle is a 4 year starter for us in goal on the West Fed team. As he wraps up his career he owns or will own almost all of the goaltending records at West. Bottom line: he's just a great goalie, who gives us a chance to win every night."
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Name: Robert Mundorff Grade: 12th
Sport: Varsity Wrestling
Coach: Dave Recor
Example of sportsmanship: Robert always displays sportsmanship like conduct in every Match and tournament.
Athletic performance: Robert has a 15 -8 record this season and he placed 3rd at the Ken-Ton Invitational and 5th in the Section 6 Class AA tournament.
Coach’s quote: "Robert is always a team first guy- he works hard every practice to reach his goals for the sport of wrestling."
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Name: Daniel Muniz Grade: 11
Sport: Indoor Track & Field
Coach: Brian Kader
Example of sportsmanship: Danny is very personable and can always be seen recognizing other athletes after their race, saying congrats and just being excited in general about the sport.
Athletic performance: Danny has worked tirelessly to improve his grades over the last 12 months and being in good academic standing during a full season is something he has worked towards and has achieved this year. This has allowed him to race a full schedule and become the runner our program knew he could be. Danny has qualified for sectionals in the 55m, 300m and 600m this month. He also ran personal bests in the 200m and 800m in January. Danny is our team leader in the 55m, 200m, 300m, 400m, 600m and 800m distances and is having his best season ever. He is our relay anchor in all of the relay distances and his teammates rely on his performances every week.
Coach’s quote: "Danny has always shown that he has talent as he has several sectional patches thus far, but truly unlocking his full potential has always been a question, I'm happy to say that this isn't the case anymore. He has had a breakout season in a wide variety of races, and should be drawing interest from collegiate programs as his junior year progresses. His work ethic and attitude towards school have never been better, and he is someone who makes my job very enjoyable."
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Name: Colin LeBron Grade: 12
Sport: Boys Swimming
Coach: Sereday
Example of sportsmanship: Colin has helped push his teammates at practice and during meets to levels they were unaware of.
Athletic performance:
Overall he is very dedicated to the team while also balancing a job and school work as well.
Coach’s quote: "Colin's work ethic has improved so much this year. He continues to amaze the coaches and we are both excited to see how he does at Class A championship."
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Name: Jacob Clark Grade: 11
Sport: Men's Varsity Bowling
Coach: Hockwater
Example of sportsmanship: Jacob has proven himself to be an excellent sportsman. Over the past month, he has taken our younger and less experienced bowlers under his wing, mentoring them. He has attended every match and practice, and proudly cheers on teammates from the sidelines.
Athletic performance: Jacob earned the highest average on the team (190.45). He had a very successful season, which led to him making sectionals as an independent bowler.
Coach’s quote: "Jacob has been a pleasure to coach. He is a consummate role-model and leader, providing support and mentorship to the whole team. He is performing at the highest level of the team, and deservedly earned a spot at sectionals."
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Name: Christian Blackchief Grade: 11
Sport: Boys Basketball
Coach: Reuben Owens
Example of sportsmanship: Everyday, Christian comes to practice ready and willing to work. I never have to question his work ethic.
Athletic performance: ENERGY, ENERGY, ENERGY, TOUGHNESS, TOUGHNESS, TOUGHNESS
Coach’s quote: "Teams have great bench players. They are always engaged, bring energy, and are willing to play any role needed by them."
Pictured: Top row (Left to right): Delaney Banks, Lexi Hodil, Colin Lebron, Jayden Ecker
Bottom row (left to right): Alexis Heyd, Savannah Masella, Robert Mundorff
West Senior Theatre Masterclass
The Broadway National Tour of Funny Girl reached out to Shea's Theater to partner with high school students to bring a FREE tap dance masterclass on February 14th! Shea's in turn reached out to West Senior. And just like that, the students of West Senior, who are participating in the Shea's High School Musical Theatre Awards in May, were able to take advantage.
Mamma Mia cast member Paige Janak participated in a tap masterclass with actor Izaaiah Montaque Harris from the Broadway National Tour of Funny Girl!
Artist Bio:
Izaiah Montaque Harris (Eddie Ryan). First Broadway National Tour! Since being put in tap classes taught by his mother as a child, he has learned to shine from Chicago to NY. Recent highlights: NY City Center’s Artists at the Center, Riverdance, The Tap Dance Kid, After Midnight (TapMathematician). BTA Award for Outstanding Actor, Jeff Award for Best Ensemble, Jacob’s Pillow Alumni, MADD Rhythms. Sending love, light, and many thanks to his family, friends, and Ayodele Casel. @iziahharris
Congratulations to our young actors!
East's RHO Kappa BHM Events
The West Seneca Bee covered East Senior's BHM events in this article. Kudos to RHO Kappa advisor Kara Welgoss and everyone who has kept Black History alive and lively in February.
West Seneca Claims Two Chamber Honors
Last Night, District Coordinator of Libraries Rosalia Carraba and West Senior Academy of Finance & Business student Andrew Frelock accepted their West Seneca Chamber of Commerce Awards for Educator of the Year and Young Entrepreneur of the Year, respectively. Their speeches made us laugh and cry, and we can't think of two better people to accept the awards and to represent the West Seneca Central Schools. Congratulations again. We are so proud of you!