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http://www.westhillschools.org
Vol. XLV • No. 1 • October 2009 • A Publication of the Westhill Central School District
Westhill Baseball 2009 State Champions
On June 13th, Westhill Baseball took home its
Ärst ever Class B State Championship. Westhill
beat Fredonia 4-2 in the semiÄnals to earn a welldeserved spot in the championship game. In the
championship game Westhill battled Dobbs Ferry
and won 8-1 to take home the win. Westhill won
28 straight games this season and Änished with
an overall record of 29-2 including a 6-1 victory
over Skaneateles for the Section III Championship.
Westhill is coached by Robert Weismore and the
state championship team members include Mike
DeCarr, Nick Downs, David Grace, Pat Lemmo,
Ryan Malley, Mike Mascari, Dan Manzano, Tim
O’Sullivan, Len Graf, Mike Fagan, Corey Hewitt,
Dan Karleski, Dan Lowery, Mike McMullen, Tyler
Nigolian, Jake Rush, Greg Schmidt, Kevin McAvoy,
Nathan Nigolian and Jack Ganley.
Kindergarten Classes Visit Abbott Farms
On October 2, 2009, kindergarten students visited Abbott Farms to learn about growing apples and pumpkins. The
children enjoyed picking apples and pumpkins at the farm. Prior to the Äeld trip, the children rotated classes to
learn about pumpkins, the four seasons of an apple tree and to taste apples. Thank you to WEST for funding our
Äeld trip. What a great fall experience!
Walberta Park School
Mrs. Byrne’s Students Watch Live Webcast
Mrs. Byrne’s afternoon kindergarten class watched a live
webcast from Clearwater Aquarium about Winter the
dolphin. Mrs. Byrne’s brother, Jim Savage, rescued this
dolphin when it was trapped in a crab net when it was
just a few months old. Winter’s injuries were so severe that
she ended up losing part of her tail. She is now 4 years
old, weighs 250 lbs. and lives at the Clearwater Aquarium
in Florida. She has been Ätted with a prosthetic tail. She
has been an inspiration to many. Check out her story at
seewinter.com.
Kindergarteners Recycle
On October 7th, the kindergarten classes at Walberta Park School
were visited by Miss Elaine from OCRRA and learned about
recycling. She showed them her friend “Litter Red Riding Hood”
and taught them the difference between what is trash and what
can be recycled.
WPS Staff Development Day
Teachers at Walberta Park School started the year off with a session on Responsive Classroom - a practice used school-wide to
build community in the school. Every classroom has a morning meeting with their students to get the day started and allow
children opportunities to develop social and collaborative skills. The September 2nd session allowed staff a chance to review
from previous training and to gain ideas and strategies to include a greater amount of academic content into these morning
meetings. Teachers had
the chance to dialogue
with one another and
hear from a national
expert from the Northeast Foundation for
Learning and a trainer
at OCM BOCES, Patrick
Shaw. It was a dynamic
way to start the school
year!
WPS staff members collaborate with one another as part of
a review activity on Responsive Classroom practices.
October 2009
2
Teachers are greeted with a morning message chart similar
to that used in classrooms. Here they are completing the
response section indicating an exciting event from their
summer.
Walberta Park School
Fall Landscapes
First grade art students examined the work of American artist Grant Wood. The
rolling hills and farmland of Wood’s native Iowa were this artist’s favorite subject.
Wood’s landscapes depict peaceful, idealized farm communities. Sloping green
hills knit together like a patchwork quilt.
In this lesson, students learned how an
artist layers the elements in a landscape
painting to create a sense of realism.
With chalk pastel, students smudged
and blended to create soft clouds and
suns in their backgrounds. Green and
yellow paints were applied to the ground
to create a clear horizon line, the level
line where land seems to end and the sky
begins. Autumn trees were then layered
into the foreground and bright, plump
pumpkins were then scattered about the
ground. Students had a fabulous time
practicing painting skills and learning
how to build a landscape painting.
Marisa Rosati, Kindergarten
Claire Snyder, Grade 1
Kindergarten artists are learning to use
a variety of lines in their landscape drawings! Wonderful job, kindergarten and
Ärst graders!
Enchanting Trees
Second grade art students exercised their painting skills and their
imaginations when they examined an artwork titled, L’arbre Rouge, by
Piet Mondrian. Students noticed how this artist helps us see trees in a
new way. Mondrian painted his tree in perplexing colors. It’s twisted and
mature branches stretch and reach wide. The red tree is something truly
spectacular to behold! Second grade artists created a captivating tree of
their own. Painting, drawing and printmaking were the art techniques
explored in this lesson. Enchanting trees, second graders!
Mrs. DeMatties’ Class
Royal Reader
Mrs. Miller , WPS Reading Teacher, was the Royal Reader at Walberta
Park School’s Monday Program. She read the book, Little Oink, by Amy
Krouse Rosenthal. The story was a hit with all the students. Graciously,
Mrs. Miller has donated the book to the school’s library.
3
October 2009
Walberta Park School & Cherry Road School
Empire State Games
A good time was had by all of the
Westhill students who participated
in the Empire State Games for the
Physically Challenged Adapted
Sports Clinic. The Games took
place on September 23, 2009 at
the Central New York Family Sports
Centre in Baldwinsville. This was
our second time participating and
our Westhill Team doubled in size
this year!
Lee Moriarity
The Adapted Sports Clinic is a fun
way to introduce students to the Jackson Griffin, Mrs. de Ruijter, Niko Georgiadis, Andrew
activities and competitive events that Cunningham, Christopher Costello, Nathan Fricano, Tara
are a part of the Empire State Games. McMahon, Kyle Ferrini, Lee Moriarity, Caleb Smith.
The Games are programs of adapted
sports competitions for youth, ages 5-21, who are visually impaired, hearing impaired, spinal
cord injured, amputees, have Cerebral Palsy, or Les Autres (meaning ‘the other’; Muscular
Dystrophy, heart conditions, arthritis, etc.). The clinic is not only a great way to introduce
our students to the variety of Äeld events, but also serves as an introduction to the bigger
competitive events that take place in Brockport and Long Island.
Our Westhill students were able to participate in a variety of Äeld events, including but not
limited to, miniature golf, basketball shooting, target shooting, power wheelchair soccer,
and bowling. A Äre engine and ambulance were also present for our students to enjoy. This
clinic could be the catalyst that ignites one of our students to continue on to a successful
and healthy lifetime involving sports and Ätness activities!
Jason Macko
WEST receives 501(c)(3) classiÄcation by IRS
WEST has been working over the past year to be classiÄed as a Public Charity by the IRS. WEST is pleased to
announce that as of the beginning of this school year, we have received our new status. WEST can now accept tax
deductible donations in support of funding our elementary schools’ programs. This year’s WEST board and Parent
Council have set fundraising goals for our Scrip Program and continue to offer low cost family fun events for our
elementary community. We are excited for the new school year and look forward to working with our parents to
make this year successful.
This year’s Executive Team includes: Penny Phillips-Powers, President; Melinda Roberts, Vice President; Lynn Nares,
Treasurer; and Tricia Adams, Secretary. Our Volunteer Coordinators include: Laurie Herne, Box Tops & UPC; Sebrina
Cronin, Scrip; Erin Nelson, Parent Aide; and Cathy Bradley, Parent Volunteer Center.
October 2009
4
Cherry Road School
Cherry Road Storytelling Festival
Students at Cherry Road School enjoyed three days of storytelling,
Adirondack history and nationally recognized artists beginning on
Wednesday, October 14th. This year’s guest artists were author and
storyteller, Joseph Bruchac, and musician and storyteller, Christopher
Shaw.
As a professional teller of the traditional tales of the Adirondacks and
the Native peoples of the Northeastern Woodlands, Joe Bruchac has
performed widely in Europe and throughout the United States from
Florida to Hawaii. He has been a storyteller-in-residence for the
Institute of Alaska Native Arts and the Onondaga Nation School. Mr.
Bruchac presented traditional Abenaki tales and performed Native Jessica Kane chats with author Joseph Bruchac as he signs books
for students at Cherry Road School.
American music with his drum and Åutes. Students enjoyed hearing
and participating in his stories and songs. When asked what advice he could give to students that hoped to improve their
writing he said, “Two important things to be a better writer: First, be a reader, because the more you read the more you
like it and the better you get at it. Second, write something – anything – every day.”
Christopher Shaw is considered one of New York’s foremost
Adirondack storytellers and historians. A member of the esteemed
Adirondack Liars Club, he carries forward the oral tradition,
passing on stories and songs that have been part of our cultural
landscape since America’s colonial times. Mr. Shaw appeared in
colonial uniform on Thursday, discussing the French and Indian
War using deerskin maps, Åint and steel, tomahawks and a
period musket from 1763. He concluded the festival on Friday by
performing Adirondack songs and stories, relating the rich history
of the people and places of the North Woods.
Abenaki storyteller and author, Joseph Bruchac, shares a traditional
welcome song with Mrs. Lootens’ fourth grade class.
The Storytelling Festival was made possible through a generous
donation by the W.E.S.T. organization (Westhill Elementary
Schools Together).
Third grader Grace Clifford takes part in a Story in the Round with
Adirondack storyteller Christopher Shaw
Historian Christopher Shaw shares the life and times of Captain Robert
Rogers with Mrs. Ziober’s fourth grade class.
5
October 2009
Cherry Road School
Cherry Road Reads... Roscoe Riley Rules!
In its fourth year, Cherry Road Reads is similar to the CNY Reads initiative. The goal of C.R.R. is to encourage as
many students and their families to read the same selection of children’s literature. Careful consideration is put
into Änding a book that will be a positive and worthwhile experience for all. We believe that when reading is a
shared experience the beneÄts are invaluable! The Ärst C.R.R. selection for the 2009-2010 school year is the book,
Roscoe Riley Rules #1: Never Glue Your Friends to Chairs by Katherine Applegate. The Ärst in a series, Cherry Road
students, staff and families chuckled as they read about Roscoe Riley’s adventures and mishaps and the many “rules”
he discovers and breaks.
Cut Paper Self-Portraits
Fourth grade students learned to observe their own faces and draw a
self-portrait. Students improved their observational skills and boosted
their self-awareness. Taking a close look at their own facial features in a
mirror, students were able to draw and cut paper details with accuracy,
creating a likeness to themselves. Details were added to embellish their
work and tell a bit about the fourth grade artist who created it. Wonderful
job, fourth graders!
Sam Fergot, Grade 4
Symmetry
After examining a variety of masks from several world cultures, third grade art students
created inspired symmetrical designs. This project began with a few Guided Questions:
What is a mask? What is a mask used for? Who wears masks? When and why are
masks worn? How have you seen masks used before? Students then observed several
examples of masks from around the world, and noted a few common characteristics.
Exaggerated facial features, and vertical symmetry are typical of most mask designs.
Students achieved mirror symmetry in their designs by only drawing on one half of the
page. The half design was then transferred to the other side of the page with a simple
rubbing technique. When the design was complete, color was added in a thoughtful
warm/cool color pattern. The Änal results were bold, exaggerated facial designs in
radiant colors!
Lily Eicholzer, Grade 3
Child Health Plus/Family Health Plus
Information, applications and assistance are available for students and their families to enroll in the NYS health
insurance programs, Child Health Plus or Family Health Plus. The caps on Child Health Plus have recently been
raised. You can earn up to $7,000 per month for a family of four and still qualify. If you would like more information,
please contact:
• Tammy Sterling, RN WHS: 426-3015
• Cheryl Hunt, RN CRS: 426-3306
• Mary Gajewski, RN OHMS: 426-3406
• Sue Adydan, RN WPS: 426-3203
October 2009
6
Cherry Road & Onondaga Hill Middle School
Cherry Road School... We Care!
The start of the 2009-2010 school year at Cherry Road marked a renewal
of our school-wide commitment to our character education program,
We Care. The activities for the Ärst days of the school year included a
school-wide assembly that centered around the character traits that are
an integral part of the I Care Pledge- respect, trustworthiness, fairness,
responsibility, and citizenship. Each class signed the I Care Pledge.
In addition to displaying the signed pledge in their classrooms, a class
rule bearer carried the signed pledges to special area classes, recess,
lunch and assemblies. Students are also greeted each morning with
a “Daily Dose of Care-apy,” a quote of the day focusing on one of the
traits. The entire Cherry Road School community certainly exemplify
the ideal of “Every Person, Every Day”!
State Fair Winners!
7th grader Noe McAfee won a 3rd place ribbon for her relief
painting, and 6th grader Mackenzie Walker won a 2nd place ribbon
for her self-portrait wire sculpture. Great job, girls!
OHMS Teacher Participates in National Seminar
Spanish teacher at OHMS, Diane Zarzecki, was one of Äfteen teachers nationwide chosen to participate in a summer
seminar sponsored by the National Endowment for the Humanities. The six-week seminar involved reading, writing
about and leading discussions about the classic Spanish novel, Don Quixote. The participating teachers were from a
wide variety of states; about half the group was comprised of native speakers of Spanish. They were led by Dr. Salvador
Fajardo, a leading Don Quixote scholar, author of numerous critical articles in three languages and a translation of
the novel for undergraduate students.
“It was an awesome experience,” said Zarzecki. “The novel is amazingly rich. Studying it with such a knowledgeable
professor and with 14 other people who bring their own experiences with the Spanish language and culture was a
great opportunity. I have a better understanding of Spanish literature and culture, which certainly affects how well I
can teach it to our students here.”
7
October 2009
Onondaga Hill Middle School
Looking For People To Share Their World Of Work With Students!
OHMS Career Day is November 19, 2009. We are looking for adults who would be willing to share information
about their professions/careers. The mini-sessions run in the morning followed by brunch. Please contact Susan
LaFex or Jennifer Pisegna at OHMS, 426-3408.
5th and 6th Grade Art
The 6th graders in Mrs. Feyerabend’s art classes have just Änished designing covers for their sketchbooks. After viewing
paintings by Piet Mondrian, the students developed colorful compositions inspired by this artist. These books are theirs to
keep with them all year and will be turned in weekly. The students will work on drawing details, shading and exploring
different media. It will be exciting to see them grow as artists over the course of the year.
After viewing a PowerPoint presentation about artist David Smith, the 5th graders in Mrs. Feyerabend’s art classes created
quite an outstanding collection of patterned sculpture. These beautiful art works were constructed from carved and sanded
styrofoam, attached with toothpicks and the Åuorescent paints really made each sculpture pop! Every student worked very
hard to construct and balance his/her sculpture. David Smith would be proud!
Maddy Smith and Katie De Veyra show their Änished sketch books.
Haileigh Farrell holds her beautiful David Smith inspired
sculpture.
OHMS Summer Math Challenge
Five OHMS students kept their math skills sharp by participating in a math challenge during the summer. They answered
Äve weekly math problems that were presented on Mr. Schibeci’s website. The problems involved various math skills
and provided a challenge for the students. Congratulations to Joshua Owens, Brianna Linton, Brian Celeste, Joshua
Dougherty, and Annelise Eicholzer for successfully completing the math challenge. They will be invited to a pizza
party during the school year.
October 2009
8
Westhill High School
Environmental Science
Classes Visit Local Waterway
Ms. Wolfe’s SUNY ESF Global Environment
and Environmental Science classes took
advantage of the recent nice weather to explore
macroinvertebrate diversity in the local Harbor
Brook. Macroinvertebrates are used as a determinate
of the cleanliness and health of a stream, so the
students compiled data on the amounts and types
of critters that will be submitted to a state database.
The students donned waders and got up close and
personal with all sorts of macroinvertebrates that
live on the bottom of the creek bed.
National Merit Students Recognized
The National Merit Scholarship Program has announced
that Westhill High School Senior, Maureen Carey, has been
selected as a National Merit SemiÄnalist. This positions her,
along with a select group of 16,000 students from across
the country, to apply for a National Merit Scholarship. In
February, 15,000 students will be chosen as Änalists based
on their application for the scholarship. Also recognized as
National Merit Commended Students are Westhill Seniors
Alec DeFilippo, Katherine Lenkiewicz and Shirley Wild.
Selection into the National Merit Scholarship Program is
based on the 1.5 million students who participated in the
PSAT/NMSQT test in October 2008.
Left to right, Maureen Carey, Alec DeFilippo, Shirley Wild, Katherine
Lenkiewicz.
Westhill High School Students Advance
in WCNY Double Down Competition
The Westhill Double Down team competed against Mt. Markham High School on October
7th. The game show will air on Sunday, November 8th at 6:30 p.m. on WCNY. Double
Down is an academic quiz show testing student knowledge in categories such as English,
science, mathematics, history, sports, art and current events. This year the Westhill team
members are Brandon Eicholzer, Robbie Granish, Maureen Carey, Kevin Fagan, Julianna
Thompson and Erica Beeman. The students will compete in the second round against
Cooperstown on November 4th.
9
October 2009
Westhill High School
Westhill Quarterback, Jeff Law,
Named WTVH 5 Athlete of the Week!
On Friday, October 9th, Westhill senior quarterback, Jeff Law, was awarded the WTVH 5 Athlete
of the Week. Jeff is the starting quarterback for Westhill’s varsity football team. Jeff leads the
league in pass completion percentage and has completed fourteen touchdown passes this season.
WTVH 5 hosted a tailgate party before the game for the team and their parents to honor Jeff for
his athletic accomplishments this season. Congratulations, Jeff!
High School English Teacher to Present at National Convention
Sarah Fleming, Westhill High School English teacher, will be presenting at The National Council of Teachers of English
(NCTE) Annual Convention in Philadelphia in November. Sarah will be presenting during the panel session, “Speaking
Up for Change: Using Literacy as Social Action.” An excerpt from the description of this session in the Convention
Program reads:
“We must present students with texts that will inform them, demand their compassion, and demonstrate how to
effectively communicate. Using texts from our history’s founding through today, from faraway contents as well as close
to home, these presenters provide a multitude of strategies for teaching students the power of voice.”
Congratulations to Sarah on being selected as a presenter!
Cottages For Teachers
Students in Mr. Maniccia’s civil engineering and architecture class recently
started a new assignment which involves designing summer cottages for
teachers at the high school. The teachers act as the client for the student
architect. The process requires Äve to six arranged meetings.
After interviewing the client, the student will eventually create a computer
model and then generate the required drawings from that model. There are
several constraints that must be followed along with a basic interpretation
of the NYS building code. The students will be using the latest version
of Autodesk Revit software, which is a three dimensional architectural
design package that is also used in industry.
Gwendolyn Dougherty interviews Mr. Leuze for the
project.
October 2009
10
Westhill High School
Summer Reading:
A Second Successful Year
For the second year in a row, incoming freshmen were given
the opportunity to participate in book discussion groups
based on their summer reading. In keeping with the tradition,
freshmen, like upperclassmen, were required to select two
books from a required summer reading list; however, instead
of being evaluated on their book choices in English class, they
were put into discussion groups based on their selections. On
the Ärst day of classes, each freshman attended two separate
forty-minute discussion groups.
Discussion groups were led by a variety of staff members
and were conducted like a book group. Students were asked
to respond, in writing, to two of seven personal response
questions. They were also asked to participate in the large
group discussion and to respond, in writing, to a few Änal
thought questions.
Mrs. Blocklin leads a group of freshman in the book talks.
Staff and students alike responded positively to the program. Program organizers Karen Fenner and Desiree Wight hope
this second annual event turns into another outstanding Westhill tradition.
A special thank you to all of the book group leaders who read over the summer and volunteered their time and enthusiasm:
Mrs. Frisch, Mrs. Quail, Mr. Allen, Madame O’Hara, Madame Keller, Señora Schahczenski, Mr. Lemmo, Ms. Fleming, Mrs.
Blocklin, Mrs. Ferguson, Mr. Maimone, Mr. Wells, Mrs. Pounder, Ms. Rein, Mrs. Murphy, Mrs. Cornell, Mrs. Catalano,
Mrs. Danaher, Ms. Willey, Mrs. Chamberlain, Ms. Button, Mrs. Miles, Mrs. Ungerer, Ms. Weaver, Ms. Wolfe and Mrs.
LaPenna.
Westhill Band Students Selected
to the Syracuse Symphony Youth Orchestra
Meredith Rice, a senior clarinetist in the Westhill Wind Ensemble, and Harrison Dole, a junior
percussionist in the Westhill Wind Ensemble, were both selected to the 2009-2010 Syracuse Symphony
Youth Orchestra. The Syracuse Symphony Youth Orchestra draws its membership from over twenty-Äve
Central New York school districts through rigorous auditions in the spring. The SSYO rehearses weekly
throughout the school year and acts as a training orchestra for future professional musicians. The youth
orchestra performs music from the orchestral repertoire and members also participate in coaching and
side-by-side concerts with musicians from the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra.
WHS Honor Band Students Perform at Syracuse University
On October 4th, ten Westhill High School Band Students performed with the Greater Syracuse Youth Honors Wind
Ensemble and Symphonic Band at Syracuse University. The ensembles were directed by Dr. Bradley Ethington, director
of the SU School of Music. The honors groups included top high school instrumental musicians from Onondaga
and Oswego counties. Students were selected to the groups based on teacher recommendation. Westhill musicians
included Mindy Farrell (Åute), Erin Celeste (clarinet), Katie Ducett (clarinet) and Shirley Wild (French horn) in the
Wind Ensemble, and Abby Bornstein (Åute), Deborah Butler (Åute), David Coons (oboe), Ella Patsos (clarinet), Erica
Beeman (trombone) and Kevin Obrist (euphonium) in the Symphonic Band.
11
October 2009
Westhill High School
Buy a Brick, Build a School
During Westhill High School’s spirit week, students participated in a
competitive fundraiser called “Bricks of Hope” to raise money for “Lost
Boy” Gabriel Bol Deng’s school in Ariang, Sudan. To raise incentive
for the cause, we called our campaign “Buy a Brick, Build a School.”
Students bought $1 paper bricks during lunch periods for the week
and hung them in the main hallway of the school to see which class
could raise the most money. A trophy was presented to the winning
class – the seniors – at our homecoming football game at the end of
the week.
Due to the overwhelming support and fundraising efforts of Westhill
students and staff, we sold all 500 bricks and had to make more! In
Sophomore, Casey Hagen, and Senior, Jenna Pollack, color in the end, our school raised over $550 for the Ariang School, setting the
bricks signifying progress on the architect’s drawing of the school
bar high, as we were the Ärst school in New York State to participate in
after purchasing a brick.
the event. Bol Deng has spoken at Westhill for the past several years,
and many students have seen slides from his homeland. Later this month, a group of students and teachers will have the
opportunity to attend the premiere of a powerful documentary entitled Rebuilding Hope, which chronicles the story of the
“Lost Boys of Sudan.” Bol Deng is one of hundreds of such young children, who left burning villages during the civil war
in their homeland and spent months trekking through the desert, crossing the Nile, and Änding their own way to refugee
camps which eventually put them on a path to life in the US.
Students and teachers alike were touched by his message of perseverance and strength, and this inspiration led to further
fundraising efforts including the creation of our annual “Walk for Sudan,” held every spring at the WHS track. To learn
more about Bol Deng’s extraordinary efforts to give back to the people of his homeland and donate to his inspiring cause,
please visit www.HopeForAriang.org. As Westhill students learned this past week, every dollar counts!
Westhill Summer Literacy Program
Westhill’s Star Readers Älled the halls of OHMS as the Westhill Summer
Literacy Program 2009 ran from July 6th to August 6th. We had 94 students
attend this year’s program, which featured “Star Readers” as its theme. For
eleven years, Westhill has had a summer program dedicated to helping
students boost their ELA skills by using a variety of literature. Each day,
students read, wrote, listened and spoke as they were guided through
lessons. Our older students read at least two of the summer reading
novels from the list sent home with report cards. The result is our students
being better prepared for
the beginning of the 20092010 school year.
We also had students participate in math reviews using games and activities
linked to our Everyday Math program. Mrs. Sierotnik’s class read the book
How We Measure, and then participated in various centers set up in the gym
to actually measure, record and work together to build structures, which
were measured.
Thank you to the OHMS principals and staff who warmly welcomed the
entire program this summer!
October 2009
12
Welcome New Staff Members!
Amy Abend, WPS
Teaching Assistant
Kassie Appel, OHMS
Grade 5 Teacher
Kristina Arlukiewicz, OHMS
Grade 5 Substitute Teacher
Renee Burnett, OHMS/WHS Phyllis Clifford, WPS
7-12 Literacy Specialist
Teaching Assistant
Tyler Cross, WHS
Teaching Assistant
Katharina Ehrlinspiel, WPS
Grade 2 Substitute Teacher
Elisabeth Ferner, WPS
Teaching Assistant
Melanie Guido, WPS
Grade 1 Teacher
Breck Holmes, WPS
Teaching Assistant
Howard Johnson, WPS
Custodian
Bernard Luke, WHS
Custodian
Stacy Longyear, WPS/CRS/OHMS
K-8 Literacy Specialist
Melissa Prior, OHMS
Grade 5 Teacher
Alfred Rainbow, OHMS
Teaching Assistant
Julieanne Reaume, WHS
Clerical Aide
Kristin Shanahan, WHS
Special Education Teacher
Sue Sheridan, CRS
Teaching Assistant
Jessica Stanistreet, WPS
Food Service Helper
Heather York, WPS
Grade 2 Teacher
READERS FROM BIRTH
Dianna Vincent, OHMS
Spanish Substitute Teacher
Not Pictured:
Tony Ascioti,
Courier/Groundskeeper
The Westhill School District’s Readers From Birth program has been initiated to foster a love
of reading and to develop the home-school connection. Parents and their children (birth
through age four only) living in the Westhill School District are invited to join us for an
evening of books and fun. The Readers From Birth program is held in the Walberta Park
School library from 6-7 PM on the following Monday nights:
•
•
•
•
October 19, 2009 - Leaves
November 16, 2009 - Heroes
February 1, 2010 - Outdoor Fun
April 12, 2010 - Frogs
Advance reservations are necessary and can be made by calling
Walberta Park School, 426-3200. Hope to see you there!
13
October 2009
Westhill District News
Smart Board Technology Comes to Westhill
Perhaps you had the opportunity to see some of our newly installed
Smart Boards during our recent Meet-the-Teacher-Nights throughout
the district. If you haven’t seen them yet, Smart Board, an interactive
whiteboard, is a large interactive display that connects to a computer
and projector. A projector displays the computer’s desktop onto the
whiteboard surface where teachers and students can then control
the computer using a pen or even a Änger!
Interactive whiteboards are used in a variety of classroom settings
at all levels and can be used in place of traditional whiteboards,
Åipcharts or video systems such as DVD players and TVs. Some
interactive whiteboards allow teachers to record their instruction
as digital video Äles and post the material for review by students at
a later time.
Experienced “Smart Boarder,” science teacher Scott Maimone,
helps colleagues on Staff Development Day.
Approximately 45 Smart Boards have been installed in classrooms
throughout Westhill. The primary purpose of Smart Board use is to
increase student engagement. Westhill teachers and students are learning to navigate the new technology. Here are just
a few examples of how Smart Boards are currently being used throughout the district:
At Walberta Park, kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Byrne, had students use the Smart Board to match upper and lower case letters
and select pictures with appropriate starting sounds. Second grade teacher, Mrs. Merritt, and Ärst grade teacher, Mrs.
Francisco, have taught students to interact with a number grid on the Smart Board creating an online calendar.
At Cherry Road, teachers have been engaging students in math by having them manipulate virtual pattern blocks to learn
fractions and drawing shapes and identifying angles for geometry. During Writer’s Workshop, the Smart Board can be used
for editing student work; students identify the “heart” of the story and can literally “cut” the story apart to add details.
Fifth and sixth grade classes at OHMS have utilized online maps, reviewed parts of speech and played interactive review
games. Some seventh and eighth grade science classes have reviewed the metric system by using the Smart Board to place
metric preÄxes in the correct order and to physically move the decimal point during metric conversions.
At the high school, Mr. Heath started the year by having students create class seating charts using the Smart Board, capturing
the image with the computer and printing it for use. Social Studies teacher, Mrs. Blocklin, has been leading a Smart Board
User Group for teachers to come together and learn a variety of ways to use the new technology and engage students.
WESTHILL CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
Notice of Annual Fire Inspections
In accordance with the New York State Education Law 807a, the Westhill Central School District
hereby makes known that it has performed and successfully completed Annual Fire Inspections in
all of its facilities. All facilities have met or exceeded inspection requirements and, as of date of this
notice, there are no known non-conformances with respect to existing code requirements. Public
School Fire Safety Reports are on Äle in the Westhill CSD Buildings & Grounds OfÄce.
Fire Safety Reports may be viewed in the Buildings & Grounds OfÄce during ofÄce hours from 8:00 AM to 4:00
PM. For more information, please contact Larry Allen, Superintendent of Buildings & Grounds, 426-3304.
October 2009
14
Westhill District News
Westhill Central School District Procedures for School Emergencies
I.
II.
III.
Introduction
Providing an orderly plan for dealing with an emergency is part of the responsibility of Westhill Central School District ofÄcials. Emergency
situations range from man-made problems such as power outages, Äres, and bomb threats, to nature-made situations like windstorms, ice/snow
storms, and Åoods. Emergencies range from highly dangerous, life-threatening situations to problems that are mere inconveniences. School and
parents need to have general plans for dealing with a wide range of emergencies. The following information is intended to familiarize you with
our general procedures for school emergencies.
Possible Response Actions
The nature of the emergency will determine the type of response action. If possible and timely, an emergency response team will convene at a
command site to implement response actions. If possible and appropriate, the assistance of the Äre department, ambulance, and police will be
sought. The primary consideration in determining response actions will be the health and safety of students and staff.
A)
Cancellation of School - School ofÄcials may determine that school will not be in session for one or more days due to an emergency.
B)
Evacuation - Evacuation is necessary for situations ranging from routine Äre drills to conditions where it is no longer safe or appropriate
to have students in the school building. Evacuation requires all building occupants to exit the building and wait a safe distance from
the building until the danger has passed. In some circumstances, however, the nature of the emergency may deem that the students be
transported and held temporarily at another location.
C)
Early Dismissal - An early dismissal is announced in the event of a system failure such as loss of heat or other utility in the building, or
in response to inclement weather. In inclement weather, due to the time it takes to coordinate early dismissal, many times it is better
to wait until dismissal time to send students home. Road crews normally schedule their time to coincide with the dismissal time of the
schools.
D)
Sheltering in Building - School ofÄcials may decide to keep students in school in an emergency until the situation returns to normal or
until dismissal or evacuation can be arranged, if it is determined that it is not safe or practical to send them home. A lock down drill is
a type of sheltering situation where students remain in their classrooms and windows and doors are locked.
Communication Systems
Internal: Communication inside the building will be via the public address system if possible. Otherwise, messengers will be used to relay
warnings. Administrators have access to cell phones/radios to assist them with emergency communications.
External: In the event of an emergency, we will notify the following radio/television stations:
WAER
WAQX
WBBS
WCNY
WFBL
88.3 FM
95.7 FM
104.7 FM
91.3 FM
1390 AM
WKRH
WKRL
WLTI
WNSS
WNTQ
106.5 FM
100.9 FM
105.9 FM
1260 AM
93.1 FM
WPHR
WSEN
WSYR
WTKW
WWHT
106.9 FM
92.1 FM
570 AM
99.5 FM
107.9 FM
WYYY 94.5 FM
WZUN 102.1 FM
WSTM-TV (Channel 3)
WSYR-TV (Channel 9)
NEWS 10 NOW (Channel 10)
IV.
Emergency Planning Committee
V.
Communication Liason for the District: Stephen Bocciolatt, Superintendent of Schools
Marilee Hill ................................................... Emergency Management Coordinator
Larry Allen..................................................... 1st Alternate Coordinator
Carol Ilacqua ................................................. 2nd Alternate Coordinator
Stephen Bocciolatt......................................... Superintendent of Schools
Lee Roscoe .................................................... Westhill High School Principal
Mark Bednarski ............................................. Westhill High School Assistant Principal
Douglas Hutson............................................. Onondaga Hill Middle School Principal
Jeannette Clark .............................................. Onondaga Hill Middle School Assistant Principal
Sarah VanLiew ............................................... Cherry Road School Principal
Maureen Mulderig ......................................... Walberta Park School Principal
Stephen Jachym ............................................. Food Service Director
Matt Conti ..................................................... Transportation Supervisor
Tammy Sterling .............................................. Coordinator of Health Services
15
We hope we will never have to
implement our plans, but we will
strive to be prepared just in case. It
is very important for every family to
have a contingency plan explained
to students in the event that an
unplanned early dismissal occurs.
Calling parents or having them call
the school would not be practical in
a true emergency. We urge parents
to plan ahead for possible school
related emergencies, especially early
dismissal.
October 2009
Non-proÄt Organization
U.S. Postage PAID
Permit No. 3523
Syracuse, New York
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Westhill Central School District
400 Walberta Road
Syracuse, New York 13219-2214
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Doreen T. Bronchetti, President
John T. Parkinson, Vice President
Gary P. Lowery
Lisa M. O’Reilly
Roseanne Scrimale
The Westhill Central School District does not discriminate on the basis of age,
color, religion, creed, disability, marital status, veteran status, national origin,
sex or race in its employment practices or educational programs.
Westhill District News
School Board Recognition Week
October 19 - 23, 2009
IMPORTANT
ANNOUNCEMENT:
Annual Emergency Release
Drill Early Dismissal
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
K-12 students will be released
from school fifteen minutes
prior to the normal dismissal time.
Please mark your calendar!
Seated: Lisa O’Reilly, Doreen Bronchetti, Roseanne Scrimale
Standing: John Parkinson, Gary Lowery
Our sincere thanks to the Board of Education
for their many hours of dedicated service!