Dunkirk District News - Dunkirk High School · Dunkirk City School District Summer 2012 Dunkirk...

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Dunkirk City School District www.dunkirkcsd.org Summer 2012 Dunkirk District News Habla Usted Español? Si usted necesita asistencia para traducir nuestra informativa, por favor pongase en contacto con la oficina de curiculo y projectos especiales al 366-9300 ext. 2710. ? Manufacturing Pilot Program at DHS The high school engineering course has developed a pilot program with Cummins Diesel for students to gain experience in manufacturing. Students have visited the Jamestown Engine Plant and taken part in Six Sigma training, experienced the metallurgy lab, and received manufacturing parts distribution training from Dave Johnson of the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce. In June students were interviewed for summer internships at the plant. This is a great experience for students looking to go into engineering or begin work right after high school. The pilot program has served as a model for other schools in Chautauqua County as well as a model for the UAW to promote awareness for careers in manufacturing. Besides learning about manufacturing technology, students have also built bridges, gliders, rebuilt a mini bike and built robots. The robots were entered into the Chautauqua County “Dream It Do It Robot Challenge” last month. Although our teams did not place, it was a great experience for all! Poetry and Art Middle school students had a chance to share their deepest feelings and their spectacular work in The Kangaroo Café in the Tops Plaza on June 1. Customers and parents who stopped by caught a glimpse into the Dunkirk Middle School. One student melted multicolored wax over a black and white cityscape of New York City (where she dreams to live). Another captured the curiosity of young love with a water metaphor (a personal memory that can teach us all a lesson about life). Special thanks to Ms. Weidner for setting up this great chance for students to publish their work in the real world. Teaming Up for Education The Fredonia State baseball team has become a familiar face in the School 4 afterschool program. Every Monday and Wednesday, players and coaches of FSU baseball have been teaching students that sports and learning go hand-in-hand. Angelo “Ace” Sciandra was a fan favorite on the Promethean Board. Players and students lined up to challenge their math skills against the FSU pitcher. Player Sean “Snake” Urckfitz provided fierce competition on the iPad 2 with baseball multiplication. Coach Matthew Palisin used GoogleEarth to take students on a virtual field trip to Ludwig Field, home of the FSU Blue Devils. Each student had the opportunity to get to know and work with the players throughout the semester. Reading for Fun Students at School 7 kicked off a Read for Fun initiative with an Anywhere-Anytime-Any Book Fun Night in May. Students and their families came to learn about their own reading interest and to cuddle up to a good book. Students explored different genres of books which open the possibilities and choices of reading. In the library students explored reading online. The Read for Fun initiative is designed to encourage students to choose books they are interested in, create excitement around reading, and build lifelong readers. Throughout May students tracked the books they read. As each student read they gathered cookies for a bulletin board to show just how fast the reading bug can be spread. DMS 6th-Grade Orientation Dunkirk Middle School sixth-grade evening orientation will take place on June 14 at 6 p.m. in the middle school auditorium. All incoming sixth-grade students and their parents/guardians are invited and encouraged to attend. Students and parents will learn about the middle school program and expectations. Various members of the middle school staff will be present to answer questions and provide guidance.

Transcript of Dunkirk District News - Dunkirk High School · Dunkirk City School District Summer 2012 Dunkirk...

Page 1: Dunkirk District News - Dunkirk High School · Dunkirk City School District Summer 2012 Dunkirk District News Habla Usted Español? ... he was hit head on by a drunk driver while

Dunkirk City School District www.dunkirkcsd.org Summer 2012

Dunkirk District News

Habla Usted Español?Si usted necesita asistencia para traducir nuestra informativa, por favor pongase en contacto con la oficina de curiculo y projectos especiales al 366-9300 ext. 2710.

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Manufacturing Pilot Program at DHSThe high school engineering course has developed a pilot program with Cummins Diesel for students to gain experience in manufacturing. Students have visited the Jamestown Engine Plant and taken part in Six Sigma training, experienced the metallurgy lab, and received manufacturing parts distribution training from Dave Johnson of the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce. In June students were interviewed for summer internships at the plant. This is a great experience for students looking to go into engineering or begin work right after high school. The pilot program has served as a model for other schools in Chautauqua County as well as a model for the UAW to promote awareness for careers in manufacturing. Besides learning about manufacturing technology, students have also built bridges, gliders, rebuilt a mini bike and built robots. The robots were entered into the Chautauqua County “Dream It Do It Robot Challenge” last month. Although our teams did not place, it was a great experience for all!

Poetry and ArtMiddle school students had a chance to share their deepest feelings and their spectacular work in The Kangaroo Café in the Tops Plaza on June 1. Customers and parents who stopped by caught a glimpse into the Dunkirk Middle School. One student melted multicolored wax over a black and white cityscape of New York City (where she dreams to live). Another captured the curiosity of young love with a water metaphor (a personal memory that can teach us all a lesson about life). Special thanks to Ms. Weidner for setting up this great chance for students to publish their work in the real world.

Teaming Up for EducationThe Fredonia State baseball team has become a familiar face in the School 4 afterschool program. Every Monday and Wednesday, players and coaches of FSU baseball have been teaching students that sports and learning go hand-in-hand. Angelo “Ace” Sciandra was a fan favorite on the Promethean Board. Players and students lined up to challenge their math skills against the FSU pitcher. Player Sean “Snake” Urckfitz provided fierce competition on the iPad 2 with baseball multiplication. Coach Matthew Palisin used GoogleEarth to take students on a virtual field trip to Ludwig Field, home of the FSU Blue Devils. Each student had the opportunity to get to know and work with the players throughout the semester.

Reading for FunStudents at School 7 kicked off a Read for Fun initiative with an Anywhere-Anytime-Any Book Fun Night in May. Students and their families came to learn about their own reading interest and to cuddle up to a good book. Students explored different genres of books which open the possibilities and choices of reading. In the library students explored reading online. The Read for Fun initiative is designed to encourage students to choose books they are interested in, create excitement around reading, and build lifelong readers. Throughout May students tracked the books they read. As each student read they gathered cookies for a bulletin board to show just how fast the reading bug can be spread.

DMS 6th-Grade OrientationDunkirk Middle School sixth-grade evening orientation will take place on June 14 at 6 p.m. in the middle school auditorium. All incoming sixth-grade students and their parents/guardians are invited and encouraged to attend. Students and parents will learn about the middle school program and expectations. Various members of the middle school staff will be present to answer questions and provide guidance.

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NRG Letter Writing

Students at School 5 in Mr. Damon’s fourth grade and Mrs. Prior’s fifth grade wrote letters to state and community leaders urging them to help keep Dunkirk’s NRG Power Plant open. On May 14, the classes walked to the City Pier to hear Sen. Charles Schumer, County Executive Greg Edwards, Dunkirk Mayor Anthony Dolce and Dunkirk Superintendent Gary Cerne talk about the importance of the power plant in Dunkirk. Sen. Schumer thanked the students for their interest and support in their letters and reassured us that he is doing everything in his power to make sure NRG remains open.

Letter from SuperintendentDear Community Members,

It is hard to believe that another school year is coming to a close. As a District, we accomplished many wonderful things during the 2011-12 school year. Our building renovations have remained on schedule and we built a budget that is fiscally responsible. Our students have experienced academic and extracurricular success in a variety of areas and we continue to strive to improve our scores on the mandated New York State assessments.

Once again this summer, we will be hosting a variety of academic programs. The middle and high school students will have the usual opportunities for credit recovery, while the elementary enrichment program is expanded. The elementary program will move to School 3 and be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays for most of the summer. On Mondays and Wednesdays, the elementary students are invited to come to one of the elementary school libraries for some leisure reading. We will also host a “Kinder Camp” to make those first few days of kindergarten easier for our young students. Please refer to the flyer that was published or feel free to call one of the elementary buildings for more details.

Even with all of our recent success, there is still much to be accomplished. As a District, we must continue to raise our expectations so that all of our children experience success. I am confident that together we can prepare our students to meet the ever growing challenges that they will face. If I can ever be of assistance, please do not hesitate to call me at 366-9300, ext. 2013.

Thank you.

Gary J. Cerne Superintendent of Schools

Autism Event Raises $7,000The Autism Awareness Event, hosted by the Dunkirk City School District, on May 12 had more than 275 participants set out for a 1.5 mile walk wearing festive Rockin’ Autism shirts designed by Jill Begier, a teacher at School 4. The awareness event began five years ago and this was the second time the walk has been included thanks to Diane Gifford, parent of a child who attends School 4. She and her husband, Mike, came up with the idea of an awareness walk, solicited donations and organized the walk. This year’s Autism Awareness Event raised $7,000 after all costs were covered and will be used to purchase autism resource materials for the buildings. The Autism Awareness Committee realizes students with autism are in many classrooms across the district and wants to be sure students, teachers and families have resources to best meet their special needs.

Janine DiCara (School 5 PTO) is appreciated for all of her help with the Autism fund. Special thanks goes out to Walmart, Jana Tarnowski, The Paper Factory, McDonalds, Wendy’s, Fredonia Animal Hospital, NYS Department of Corrections, Kosciuszko Club, Columbus Club, Resource Center, Beaver Club, Conservation Club, Moose Club, United Steel Workers Local 2693, Tabone Construction, Darwins Health Club, G & E Tents, Schultz Automotive, Rosebrook Golf Course, Lakeshore Savings and Loan, Big Rick’s One Stop, United Steel Worker’s 2693, Chautauqua Health and Fitness, JKA Sports, Dom Polski Club, Bahgat & Laurito, Stericycle, Best Western, S.Tabone Paving & Concrete Sealing. Additionally, the committee wishes to thank everyone who walked, donated or participated in any way to make this annual event the biggest and best ever!

The sight of smiles, the sound of giggles, the jumping up and down were the highlights of the 21st Century After-School third segment. Each elementary school went to the pool one day each week for four weeks. This was a reward for students who participated in segment 1 or segment 2 of the After-School Program.

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Charity BB Game

The Dunkirk Dunks for Donations 2012 charity basketball event on June 8 kicked off with a children’s carnival in the high school gymnasium. The carnival was put on by the DHS National Honor Society. This was also an opportunity for the community to see the brand new indoor athletic facility that has been recently completed. The game featured the Dunkirk Middle School faculty taking on the Dunkirk High School/Elementary Schools faculty. The brand new concession stand was debuted.

Funds raised from this year’s game will benefit two families as well as some local organizations that have been important to the Dunkirk School District Community. The Randy Cooper family will be one recipient. Randy tragically lost his life earlier this year leaving behind his wife, JoDee, and two DHS students, Skylar and Randy Jr. Randy had a huge impact on the youth of our community through his involvement in coaching and recreation. Randy was always willing to help out others in need and this was a good opportunity for the community to return the favor.

The other family benefiting from this year’s game is Brian and Amy (Berek) Kuzdale. Brian and Amy are both alumni of Dunkirk, and Amy is the daughter of Dunkirk High School employee Diane Berek. Brian was recently involved in a horrific motorcycle accident where he was hit head on by a drunk driver while driving on the freeway. He is in critical but stable condition. His road to recovery will be long and expensive. The other beneficiaries of the event include the Lisa Speziale Memorial Scholarship fund, Lakeshore Humane Society, Juvenile Arthritis, Boy’s & Girl’s Club, Dunkirk Free Library and Relay for Life.

Exceptional All-StarsKevin Holmes, Josh Mleczko and Michael Donaldson were selected for the Chautauqua County Exceptional Senior All Star Game played on March 21. A breakfast honoring the exceptional senior girls and boys was held on March 11 at the Dunkirk Moose. The Dunkirk players contributed toward the winning effort of their all-star team. Pictured are Kevin Holmes and Josh Mleczko. The students were part of a

varsity basketball team which over two years had a record of 36 wins and 4 losses. Kevin was the CCAA 1 Player of the year for the 2011-12 season. Michael was selected to the second team all-stars, and Josh was an honorable mention. Kevin will attend SUNY Fredonia and play basketball and Josh is attending JCC and will play baseball.

Modified BasketballBoth the seventh- and eighth-grade boys modified basketball teams completed undefeated seasons this season. Seventh grade is coached by Tim Majka, DHS Social Studies teacher. Pictured in first row, Jeremiah Brooks, Caleb Rasmus, Austin Whitemer, Tyreek Buchanan Ruiz. Second row, Jon Alicea, Evon Hernandez, Jaziah Rivera, Roobie Rivera, Seth Rasmus. Third row, Coach Frank Jagoda, Luke Mleczko, Elwin Gomez, Victor Collazo, Chavral Black, Shamon Stewart, Marquee Peters, Coach Tim Majka. Eighth grade is coached by Frank Jagoda, DMS Guidance Counselor. Pictured in first row, Joey Hallmark, Miguel Alicea, Shane Martinez, Kelvin Valentin, David Smith, Devonte Grayson, Jon Quinones. Second row, Alex Montalban, Margarito Rojas, Melwin Berrios, Jayden Schrantz, Zach Ippolito, Elias Echevarria, Devante Lockett. Third row, Coach Frank Jagoda, Chad Butts, Nick Ask, Dominick Schrants, Kobe DeJesus, Isaiah Thomas, Rashad Brown, Coach Tim Majka. Not pictured Julio Chevez.

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Business/Marketing Honor SocietyThe Business and Marketing Honor Society of New York state recognizes students who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in a secondary business or marketing program. Several seniors will receive recognition at senior awards night on Thursday, June 21 and at graduation on Saturday, June 23. They include Brandon Torrance, Patrick Lamattina, Christopher Nickle, Derek Backert, David Flores, Krystal Lebron, Max Schrantz, Donte Lockett and Samantha Schultz. The following sophomores were honored at

underclass awards night on Wednesday, June 6: Alexis Clark, Selena Ruiz, Mark Karalus, Adrian Vega and Connor Aitcheson.

History Happenings at DHSSince 2005-06, the high school has offered two full year history courses that collectively yield up to 12 SUNY general education credits through Jamestown Community College’s Connections Program. For juniors, the dual credit course U.S. History I and II parallels the NYS Regent’s U.S. History and Government course. For seniors, World History I and II are elective courses.

In March students in the U.S. History course placed first and second in three categories at the New York State History Day regional competition. Rafael Muller and Alex Crowell earned first place in the documentary category; Harlie Kalfas and Jessica Hochstine placed second. In the website category, the team of Lucas Julian and Zachary Torain finished first, while Tyler Aitcheson and Matt Brauchler placed second. In the exhibit category, Alex Michalak and Edgardo Pryll finished first, while Kevin Burns and Mike Rozumalski earned second place. All 12 students qualified for the state level competition at Cooperstown.

Students in the World History course entered a video contest sponsored by New York State United Teachers, or NYSUT and Speak Truth to Power. Students were to create a video focusing on a defender of social justice. Markel Vega, a senior at Dunkirk High School, placed third in the state. At the Representative Assembly for NYSUT in April, Markel was honored with meeting Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand. Markel’s video was shown to the 2,500 delegates in attendance. He received a standing ovation and monetary awards which he will use at UB in the fall.

Student HonorsKatherine (Kat) Carr, a senior, was recognized in May as a recipient of the Far West Council of School Superintendents Scholarship. Kat was one of eight $1,000 scholarship

recipients. Selection was based on the applicants’ academic record, school and community activities, leadership and essay. Kat wrote her essay about her participation in SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions). Kat is the Class of 2012’s salutatorian. Kat was honored this year as a Western New York Business First Community All Star, is a recipient of the New York State Regents scholarship, and the Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award from the University of Rochester. She plans on attending Jamestown Community College where she will pursue a liberal arts degree. Kat is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Carr.

Student HonorsBrandon Torrance has been named Dunkirk’s Outstanding Business Student of the Year. Brandon has taken several business classes and has achieved high academic

standards in each of them. Brandon plans on majoring in business at Fredonia State College in the fall. Brandon was honored at a banquet at the Liberty Café on May 16. He is the son of Angela and Robert Torrance.

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Eighth-Graders Enact ChangeEvery year students in Mr. Corbett’s eighth-grade social studies class learn about the Progressive Era, a time period in American history when many tried to change things around them to create a better nation.

For the past few years, students have also tried to create reform. Mr. Corbett has tried to instill in his students the need to stand up for your beliefs and fight for change. To accomplish this, students are assigned the task of creating a list of 10 things they would like to see changed in their life. Groups were formed in each class and one topic was chosen by each group.

Mr. Corbett invites the appropriate people to the class in order to hear the student’s argument for change. “We have had the mayor, the chief of police, the superintendent and the president of the board of education in the class. The favorite and most repeated ones are the lunch lady and the school principal and assistant principal,” said Mr. Corbett.

This year Mr. Corbett decided to take things one step further. “Because the students really seemed interested in obtaining a bigger voice in their school, this year we put together a group of sixth, seventh, and eighth graders that had ideas for change along with the courage and dedication to fight for them,” he said. So far they have created a school song, a school logo, a school store and a community service organization. Students who have played a role this year are Alaina McCormack, Caleb Rivera, Alexis Whitfield, Brooke Tilley, Ben Tarnowski, Ivonne Ortiz, Izabella Klemann, Pablo Cruz, Julio Cabrera, Gabriel Hyde-Cruz, Kim Skelly, Luis Otero, Timia Whitting, Nicole Favata, Samantha Vargas, Sarah Kobel, Matthew Santiago, Ulyses Rojas and Zachary Romanik.

Pisanki Egg Decorating

Eighth-grade students in Ms. DeBicki’s art class learned about Polish traditional Easter egg decorating called Pisanki. Students learned the history of Pisanki, which dates back more than 1,000 years, and the various steps and techniques used including bee’s wax application. Specific Polish symbolic designs were used in the decoration of the eggs. Onion peel skins were boiled along with the eggs to give them a brownish pink coloring. While working on the eggs, students listened to folktales about Pisanki that have been passed down from generation to generation. Students found the games that were traditionally played with the finished eggs a far cry from today’s video games.

Helping Our EarthFirst grade students in Mrs. Morgan’s class at School 4 did their part to help the environment. In April the class walked to Washington Park and picked up litter. Students collected a great amount of trash and learned the importance and value of being a volunteer.

Students of MonthSchool 5 Students of the Month for April include Payton Alessi, Asiah Fernandez, Delianis Dominguez, Yaileen Morales, Amilcar Centeno, Laquan Davis, Courtney Zatorski, Hailey Near, Rogan Pencek, Emily Pacheco, Ashton Bohn, Michaela Geffert, Evelyn Lopez, Owen-John Smith, Julian Ramos, Carter Jones and Damian Santiago. Absent from the photo is Angeliz Vargas.

Students in middle school home and careers class enjoyed baking and frosting cut-out cookies and cupcakes for Mother’s day. Students learned about various careers in culinary arts. They especially liked learning new skills such as frosting cakes and cookies like a professional.

Torch Club NewsThe members of School 3 After-School Program Torch Club had a great second session. Members played games and participated in activities designed to help them become responsible and caring leaders in their community. Club members collected food, toys, blankets and money for the Lakeshore Humane Society.

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Music Department NewsDHS: The jazz ensemble performed in March at UB’s “Spectacle of Sound” at the Tralf Music Hall. In April, they performed for Mount St. Mary’s “Buffalo Jazz Review” and the full ensemble received outstanding rhythm section and outstanding saxophone section awards with solo improvisation excellence certificates earned by Christina Aviles, Nick Kobel, Dylan Leone, and Danielle Dean. The jazz combo received an outstanding rhythm section award with solo improvisation excellence certificates earned by Dylan Leone, Alex Pryll, Danielle Dean, Christina Aviles and Nick Kobel.

DMS: Sixteen band members were selected for county band festival in Jamestown and all the solo players received an outstanding rating. DMS also had a record number of participants who performed June 2 at the Chautauqua All-County Music Festival.

Elementary: The following students participated June 2 in the 2012 All County Chorus at Chautauqua Institution. School 3 students included Emma Goetz, Porschea Thomas and Sierra Mckillip. School 5 students included Devin Eddy, Tiwallace Perry and Chaelee Vega. School 4 students included Acasia Sepulveda, Haileigh Pawlak, Hannah Pawlak, Alyshah Flores, Hannah Saye, Jennifer Ruiz, Jordan Francis, Victoria Kujawa, Isabella Marshall, and Isabella Donisi. School 7 students included Zac Cooper, Keysha Eddy, Colmari Garcia, Shaun Kelly, Cameron Kurek, Christina Shelton, Josh Willis and Ethan Yannie.

“Red Writing Hood” Play Performed

Mrs. Chaffee’s fourth-grade class at School 7 performed the play “Red Writing Hood” for the first-grade classes. The play features Red Riding Hood who decides to change famous fairy tales. This causes great confusion and the FBI (Fairytale Believers Incorporated) come to save the day!

Native Americans from East to West

Mrs. DiCara’s fifth-graders at School 3 made a large display of the major Native American tribes across the United States. Students studied the culture of the tribes, geography, climate and ways of life. After learning about tribes from the Pacific Northwest, the Pueblo (Southwest), the Plains, and the Eastern Woodlands, the class was divided into four groups. Each group wrote about their tribe and created large dioramas to represent the tribe’s way of life. They presented the program to Mrs. Krzakala’s and Mrs. Kozlowski’s fourth-grade classes.

Playground Drama Day CampElementary students joined the ranks of “Playground Players” in this spring’s production of Disney’s “Aladdin Kids!” Forty-eight students in third, fourth, and fifth grades spent their spring break in SUNY Fredonia’s Playground Drama Day Camp, sponsored by the Elementary 21st Century grant. In a matter of five days, the students auditioned, were assigned parts and production roles, memorized lines, songs, choreography, and put on a truly magical performance. On Monday morning, the students decided whether they wanted to be an actor on stage or part of the technical crew. While the actors rehearsed each morning, the crew was busy painting scenery and designing props. Afternoons were filled with acting, choreography and improvisation. On Friday, the fifth and final day, the students held a rehearsal and the final evening performance.

21st Century Saturday AcademySUNY Fredonia and the Boys and Girls Club have teamed up to provide a Saturday academic and enrichment program for elementary students. The Saturday Academy, taught by SUNY Fredonia students and faculty, was held at the Boys and Girls Club in late January-February for students in kindergarten to third grade and again in March-April for kindergarten through fifth grade. Through the Academy, students were able to take an active role in the decision making process and choose the activities they wished to participate in. The winter offering consisted of interactive math games, read-alouds, arts/crafts projects, as well as music and dance classes. The dance classes included a final performance for family and friends. The spring offering included math and reading games but also offered nature classes and flag rugby. In addition to the Saturday Academy, SUNY Fredonia also sponsored two ice-skating events for students and their families at Steele Hall ice arena free of charge.

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Living Wax MuseumSchool 3 students participated in a living wax museum on March 2. Approximately 250 parents, board members and the superintendent were in attendance. Students in all grade levels took part in a research project that resulted in a wax museum. Each class researched a country of their choice and created museum exhibits displaying what they learned in their research. The students focused on languages, animals, famous people, traditions, sports, everyday life, food, education and much more.

Community ReadersApproximately 50 members from the community came to School 3 on March 30 for the annual Community Reader Day. Retired reading teacher Gail Miller returned as a guest reader. Students at School 3 wanted to surprise Mrs. Miller with a dedication to honor her many years of dedication to the school. Each student presented her with a token of appreciation, many sharing their fond memories with her. Mrs. Miller left a huge imprint on the students at School 3.

Readers introduced themselves to their small group of students and explained what they do in the community. Students were able to sit and read with Mayor Dolce, former Mayor Frey, police officers, EMTs, doctors, retired teachers, bankers, librarians, and other professionals from surrounding businesses.

School 7 MathathonSt. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital was an important part of School 7 during the month of March. When all donations were counted, School 7 met their goal and sent $3,000 to St. Jude’s.

The Mathathon is dedicated to a person in our school community each year. This year we very sadly dedicate the event to Lisa Speziale, a kindergarten teacher from our building who passed away earlier this school year. Miss Speziale was very generous in her support of the Mathathon pledging money each year to any child whom she had taught and who was now participating in the Mathathon. Another tradition we’ve started at our school is to honor the child who raises the most money for St. Jude’s by having their name engraved on a plaque which hangs outside the office door. This year our top goodwill ambassador was Lucas Zielinski.

A Valentine’s Day TreatOn February 14, the second-graders in Mrs. Kozlowski’s class at School 4 were treated to a special experience. They went to visit the clients at the Chautauqua Adult Day Care, which is across the street from the school. The students had prepared poems to share with the clients. They also read books to the clients. Shaun Vetter, a second-grader said, “It made me feel great to read to the citizens.” Jonathan Rodriquez added, “I felt love and peace when I read to them because they said I was a good reader.” The students and clients played Bingo, one of their favorite games. Madison Pagan summed up the whole event, “I felt happy and I know we made them happy too.”

Talent Show

Lights, camera, action! The gymnasium was full of energy as the excited students performed their creative routines to lively music. The show was a culmination of a creative routine unit in their physical education classes under the direction of Mrs. Civilette. Students had to choose a piece of equipment (wands, scarves, hula hoops, snakes, pom poms) and then create a routine with their group. Students in kindergarten through second grade performed for their parents during an entertaining show on one week. Students in third, fourth and fifth grades presented their routines the following week. Students had a case of butterflies and had a great time performing!

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Budding Composer

School 4 students had a special budding composer perform for them. Deanna Civilette, a senior from Fredonia High School, gave a wonderful 30-minute show featuring original compositions for the piano and guitar. Deanna has been composing music and writing lyrics since she was 12. She shared with the students different songs and stories. Students were spellbound with wonder and rapt attention. Deanna shared her You Tube site that features many of her songs as well as covers. She will be studying music composition at SUNY Fredonia in the fall. She is available for school shows as needed. Students were eager to get her autograph as they left!

Dunkirk City School District620 Marauder DriveDunkirk, N.Y. 14048www.dunkirkcsd.org

Gary J. Cerne, Superintendent

Board of Education:Mr. Roosevelt Haynes, PresidentMr. Gary Pignataro, Vice PresidentMrs. Bridget Majka, ClerkDr. Matthew Fountain Mr. David DamicoMrs. Linda GuyMr. Kenneth KozlowskiStudent Member: Miss Adrianna Borrero

RESIDENT

Non-Profit Org.

Bulk Rate

U.S. Postage Paid

Permit No. 3

Read 180 Students are Published Poets

The School 5 Read 180 students in fourth and fifth grade completed their “Bully” workshop in the spring and used what they learned as a source of inspiration for a poetry assignment. At the end of each workshop there is a writing segment and Ms. Lisa Kobel’s class decided to dig into poetry. The students were exposed to three styles of poetry; five senses, acrostic and cinquain. They were able to choose one of the three styles that

helped express the way they felt about bullying.

Students submitted poems to Creative Communication and seven of the student poets were informed that their poetry will be published in the book, “A Celebration of Poets”. The proud students are Charles Jamieson (grade 4), Rhianna Guenther (grade 4), Kevin Resto (grade 5), Yuribeth Castro (grade 4), Devin Eddy (grade 5), Elliona Ocasio (grade 5) and Raziel Pearl (grade 5).

Positive BehaviorsStudents at School 4 who are always respectful, responsible and safe were treated to a special walking field trip to the Dunkirk Pier. The students had an additional opportunity to meet and listen to a speech by Sen. Charles Schumer who was in Dunkirk discussing the future of the NRG Plant. The students were a great audience. The June incentive was created by a fourth-grade student Emily Dudzic which includes picking up around the neighborhood.