Duanesburg Central SChool DiStriCt

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Valedictorian Mikayla Wolken

Salutatorian Libby Aliberti

DCS Class of 2014 Valedictorian would like to teach, while Salutatorian will explore the world of science

Valedictorian Mikayla Wolken, a K-12 Duanesburg student who

never missed a semester on the honor roll, plans to share her love of learning by becoming an elementary school teacher. She’ll pursue her nearly lifelong passion this fall at the University of Delaware, where she will major in elementary education.

Wolken was inspired to teach by her fourth grade teacher, Melissa Durrant, whom she assisted in the classroom during part of her school day as a volunteer in the B.E.S.T. program. She has also grown her skills by working in the afterschool program at the Duanesburg Area Community Center.

Wolken will have a solid head start on her college studies through her completion of University in the High School courses in U.S. History, Pre-Calculus and Calculus A-B, as well as Advanced Placement classes in World History, English Language, English Literature, U.S. Government, and Psychology, which she studied through the Virtual AP distance learning program.

Early in her senior year, Wolken earned a perfect score on her SAT II Subject Test in Literature, and she also received a letter of commendation from the National Merit Scholarship Program.

Wolken enjoys reading, played on DCS’ softball team, and was a member of the Leo Club, school newspaper, yearbook, Mock Trial and National Honor Society.

Teaching is the career goal of Duanesburg High School's Class of 2014 Valedictorian, while the school's Salutatorian is undecided on a college major and looking forward to exploring her favorite subject, science.

Science is a favorite subject of Salutatorian Elizabeth (Libby)

Aliberti, who will attend Binghamton University in the fall. Aliberti has attended school in the district since first grade and also has never missed a semester on the honor roll.

As an undeclared major, she looks forward to exploring the sciences. “I’ve enjoyed my science classes and working in the lab and the field, but also would like to work with people,” Aliberti said. She cited her AP English Literature teacher, Rebecca Meyer, as someone she admires. “She is very dedicated, and I don’t think she sleeps!”

In addition to English Literature, Aliberti has taken AP classes in English Language, Government and World History. She also has taken University in the High School classes in Environmental Science, Sociology and Principles of Business. Aliberti’s AP and UHS classes will give her a jump on her studies in at Binghamton University.

Aliberti was active outside the classroom at DCS, playing on the soccer and softball teams, serving as co-president of the Student Council and Leo Club, and working on the yearbook. She also volunteered as a peer mediator, was a National Honor Society member and worked after school at a children’s clothing store in Guilderland.

Class of 2014 post-high-school plansTotal # of graduates.......................59Four-year college or university.....56%Two-year college..........................36%Military..........................................0%Employment..................................8%Undecided.....................................0%

2 Duanesburg Central SChool DiStriCt

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nHS membership is a mark of overall excellenceMay 20, 2014 was an important day for 14 Duanes-

burg High School students who were inducted into the National Honor Society (NHS) in recognition of their achievements.

One of the oldest and most prestigious national organizations for high school students, the National Honor Society was founded in 1921 by the National Association of Secondary School Principals.

To be eligible for membership in the National Honor Society, students must not only achieve academic success, but also display other positive traits.

“In addition to academic achievement, NHS is about leadership, community involvement and students with good character,” said Maureen Rynish, NHS advisor.

Before students are considered for NHS they must complete an extensive activity application that highlights their various accomplishments—such as community, co-curricular and service activities, as well as work experience, recognitions and awards and leadership

positions. Students must be sophomores, juniors or seniors and have a cumulative average of at least 88 percent. Additionally, students must write an essay on an assigned topic, such as leadership, character, etc. Induction into NHS is not automatic. In fact, the selection of each member of the chapter is by a majority vote of the faculty council.

Congratulations to the 2014 National Honor Society inductees: Karly Boyd, Alexis Burian, Nicole Cassale, Nicholas Cornaire, Katherine Gregory, Xavier McKinley, Olivia Munson, Kasey Nelson, Stephanie Schardt, Brendan Tarantino, Sydney Waddell, Kyle Walter, Heidi Wenzel and Emma White.

“I’m very proud of our National Honor Society members,” said Superintendent Christine Crowley. “These dedicated students work hard year after year in every aspect of their educational careers, something I find very admirable in our future leaders and which makes me proud to be part of the Duanesburg Central School District.”

event honors good work, 5th graders' move to Middle School Cameras flashed, parents, teachers

and staff clapped and classes cheered as Duanesburg Elementary students were honored for their accomplishments in art, academics, music, physical education, reading, honor roll and more at a June 23 awards ceremony. The event was extra-special for 5th-grade students, who will be moving up to the Middle School in the fall.

Honors bestowed upon deserving fifth graders included the State of New York Attorney General's Triple C Award for commitment, character and courage, the Frontier Sno Rider Award for dedication to school and community, and the State of New York Comptroller Achievement Award for academic excellence and civic commitment. Several 5th-grade students (pictured at right) received President Obama's Education Award for outstanding academic excellence in honor of their good work while students at Duanesburg Elementary.

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Students shine in Career and technical education: they are inducted into ntHS, win championshipsSeveral Duanesburg students made outstanding achievements in their

Career and Technical Education (CTE) classes this year, and DCS could once again boast about having resident state champions, national competitors and National Technical Honor Society members.

On May 20, seniors Haley Roennpagel and Nick Cornaire and juniors Phylicia Cadwell and Stephanie Schardt were inducted into the National Technical Honor Society at the Capital Region BOCES Career & Technical School, where they studied Cosmetology, Medium/Heavy Duty Truck Repair, Residential Construction & Heavy Equipment Operation, and Nurse Assistant, respectively. Students must achieve a 92 or higher average in CTE and 85 or higher in high school to be nominated for NTHS membership.

In late June, DCS senior Tyler Nichols was headed to Kansas City, MO, to the SkillsUSA National Competition, where he will represent New York after winning the state championship this April in Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC), his CTE field of study. Nichols was one of only four students from the Albany Career & Technical School campus who placed in their competitions at the SkillsUSA New York State Competition held this

spring in Syracuse, which qualified him to compete at the national level.

Success was also the order of the day at the SkillsUSA States for DCS senior Christopher McClure, who studied Culinary Arts & Hospitality at CTE. McClure was a member of a Quiz Bowl team from the Schoharie Career & Technical School campus that made it to the finals in April.

SkillsUSA is a national CTE student organization that promotes professional and personal growth and leadership through seminars and workshops, campus activities, community service and local, regional, state and national competitions.

From May 3-5, McClure and fellow Culinary Arts & Hospitality student and DCS senior Tara Nunez were among hundreds of students from across the U.S. competing in the ProStart National Invitational in Minneapolis, MN, with a team of students from the Schoharie Career & Technical School campus.

The students qualified to compete nationally by winning first place among more than 20 teams in the New York State Restaurant Association’s ProStart Invitational Culinary Competition at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY, earlier this year, taking home top honors in the Hospitality

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Haley Roennpagel

Tyler NicholsPhylicia Cadwell

Nick Cornaire

Stephanie Schardt

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Keeping students safe: requesting busing changesTo ensure student safety and proper bus scheduling,

the Duanesburg Transportation Department sets a time frame when parents can request busing changes that deviate from their child’s original bus assignment. Parents who need to change their child’s original drop-off or pick-up location assignment must submit the request to the Transportation Department before August 22, 2014.

The Transportation Department will be unable to accept requests made between August 25 and September 12, 2014. However, beginning September 15, 2014 the department will resume taking requests for student transportation changes. Please note it may take two or three days for the requested change to take effect.

In the past, the district allowed parents to make changes to their children’s transportation assignments up until the first day of school and then again two weeks after school has been in session. However, bus scheduling data showed an increased number of last-minute transportation changes that could lead to unintentional drop-off and pick-up errors for students.

“The last-minute changes were putting student safety at risk and affecting scheduling efficiency,” said DCS Transportation Department Head Bus Driver Karen Weiler. “Changing a child’s original transportation assignment at the last minute produces a domino effect on our schedules.

“One change can impact several bus routes and the number of students on a bus, forcing us to modify the already scheduled routes, pick-up and drop-off times and other particulars that impact student safety.”

By revising the time frame for requesting changes to drop-off and pick-up locations, district officials created a more secure and seamless process for all involved.

management program developed and supported by the National Restaurant Association. The program includes rigorous coursework and on-the-job training and leads to the nationally recognized ProStart Certificate of Achievement.

Congratulations and best wishes to Duanesburg High School's successful Career and Technical Education students, many award winners and all DCS Class of 2014 graduates!

Christopher McClure

Management and Culinary Arts events. McClure competed in Hospitality Management and Nunez competed in Culinary Arts.

While the Schoharie CTE team did not place in the top-five finishers at the ProStart Nationals, McClure, Nunez and their teammates were recognized for keeping their cool and exhibiting professionalism, knowledge and skill while proudly representing their state.

ProStart is an educational restaurant and food service

Students inducted into ntHS, win state championships

Tara Nunez

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5 Duanesburg Central SChool DiStriCt

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Safe, responsible and respectful, with a 3-D spiritDuring the 2013-14 school year

at Duanesburg Elementary, students from kindergarten to 5th grade tried their best each day to “Be safe, be responsible and be respectful.” Meanwhile, their fellow students at the Middle/High School focused upon a “3-D” approach to the school day: “Disciplined, Driven and Dignified.”

While the themes differed by building, the end result for students, faculty, staff and families was the same: All agreed that behavior, school atmosphere and learning improved, and students' interpersonal skills were sharpened, during the first full year of the Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports (PBIS) program.

While PBIS may be a national program, it is as individual as the people it unites in pursuing multiple pathways – and enjoyable ones at that – to positive change. Those who especially rose to the PBIS challenge this year were celebrated during special ceremonies on June 13 at the Middle/High School and June 18 at the Elementary School.

The 3-D spiritAt Duanesburg Middle/High

School, students voted for the teachers, support staff members and bus drivers who they felt embodied the 3-D spirit.

Amidst cheering and applause, awards were presented to 6th Grade Teacher Brian McGarry, Middle School Secretary Maria Longo and Bus Drivers Gary Blanton and Kevin Soucy.

Safe, responsible, respectfulAt Duanesburg Elementary, in

addition to the bus drivers listed

above, faculty and staff nominated colleagues who served as role models of safety, responsibility and respect. PBIS honors went to 2nd-Grade Teacher Melissa Walsh, School Social Worker Dave Presson and Custodian Cheryl Parrotti. The honorees were cheered by a cafeteria full of happy students, faculty, staff, visiting parents and family members.

Also at the June 18 ceremony, Duanesburg Elementary students who earned golden tickets for their positive actions and attitude throughout the year were treated to a drawing for prizes.

Making a difference“PBIS has improved behavior

outcomes in our school,” said Principal Andrea Conover, “by having consistent expectations and language throughout the entire building. Students can recite they have to be respectful, responsible and safe in the classroom, cafeteria, bus, hallways, library, etc., and they recite what that looks like in each area.”

At the Middle School, Principal Penny Hardenstine noted, “PBIS has changed our focus to really concentrate on what students are doing well, and the students and teachers have been responding positively to it. The majority of kids do the right thing the majority of the time, and the PBIS program helps us recognize that.”

Duanesburg High School Principal Leslie Wehner added,

“Establishing the PBIS program at the high school has allowed our students to be recognized for their efforts at meeting the established qualities of being driven, dignified and disciplined. PBIS has also allowed for specific data collection and review to better focus our efforts at ensuring all students meet with both academic and behavioral success as members of our school community.”

As PBIS involves the entire school community, bringing everyone together to cap off the year was key. “It was important for the students, staff and award winners to participate in the ceremonies and know just how much their actions, caring and contributions touch the lives of others and make our school a better place,” said Superintendent Chris Crowley.

To bus driver Kevin Soucy, PBIS fulfills a dual purpose: showing students that someone cares and helping them move in the right direction, especially early in the morning.

“Kids have a sixth sense in knowing what you are all about, and

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Board of EducationDuanesburg Central SChool D iStr iCt

133 School Drive l Delanson, NY 12053

Non-ProfitOrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDPermit #4

12053

Current reSiDent

Produced in cooperation with the Capital Region BOCES Communications Service.

www.duanesburg.org

It's been said it takes a village to raise a child, and likewise at a school district, it takes a team of professionals providing a variety of services to foster a positive learning environment where children are nurtured and able to grow to their full potential.

This summer brings the retirement of six dedicated, long-time members of the Duanesburg Central School District team who have provided more than 120 combined years of service to students, their families, the community and fellow staff. Together they have made the school a welcoming place to learn, to grow and to work.

DCS honored the careers of the retiring staff at a June 17 retirement celebration. Congratulations and happy retirement wishes to Secretary to the Superintendent Jeanne Beach, Elementary Secretary

DCS bids farewell to a team of dedicated staffand K-12 Registrar Kathy Lavigne, Middle School Counselor Neal Silverman, and Custodians Albert Fidler, Stuart Menzies and Cheryl Parrotti. Lavigne and Beach began with the district during the 1980s, Fidler and Menzies during the 1990s, and Parrotti and Silverman the following decade.

Earlier this year, DCS honored Joe Bena, who retired after an outstanding 48-year career as a wrestling coach. In his honor, the High School MOCC room has been dedicated and renamed Joe Bena Hall.

“In our small district, the students usually know all of our employees, and those employees have a tremendous impact upon our students,” said Superintendent Chris Crowley. “We thank them for that and wish them all a happy retirement for many years to come.”

Superintendent Christine Crowley

Business Administrator Lauren Poehlman

High School Principal Leslie Wehner

Middle School Principal Penny Hardenstine

Elementary School Principal Andrea Conover

Transportation Harry Folckemer/ Karen Weiler

Robert Fiorini President

Dirk Felton Tina Gamache Co-Vice Presidents

Mike Jackson Christina Loukides Ken Meyer Kent Sanders

Editor Monique Jacobs

Tug-of-war was a highlight of Elementary Field Day 2014

if you care,” Soucy said. “It’s important for them to start the day off with a positive interaction, like high-fiving and wishing them a great day. One moment can make a difference.”

Middle School Secretary Maria Longo, who “was very surprised and honored” to receive her PBIS award, may have summed up the feelings of her fellow honorees when she commented, “I love the kids. They are why I come in to work every day.”

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