May/Budget 2012 A community where learners excel!NewsletterNewsletter

Vol. XII, No. 9

Board of Education: Don Edwards-President; Jack Sines-Vice President; Spyros Dimatos, Melissa Stephens, Judy WarnerInterim Superintendent of Schools-W. Edward Ermlich

Associate Superintendent for Curriculum/Instruction, Health/Safety Matters & Special Education-Kathleen Dixon

2012-2013 Budget Issue2012-2013 Budget Issue

Tax Levy Increase

Projected 2012-13 10-year average

2.00%

4.40%

Budget overview

This budget newsletter outlines the proposed 2012-13 general fund budget for the Chenango Forks Central School District. Th e Board of Education (BOE) worked

diligently to provide a budget that is refl ective of the district’s continued support of an educational program that raises student achievement and meets the national core standards.

Balancing the needs of the taxpayers has become more diffi cult with the overall economic outlook of the state and country.

Th is budget year came with new parameters within which districts had to work; specifi cally, the adoption of the New York state property tax cap that requires school districts to calculate a tax levy limit. Th e BOE met this standard and is proposing a budget under our calculated tax levy limit as shown below. Our proposed tax levy increase is 2 percent. Once again, we used community budget work sessions to receive input and answer questions regarding the budget development process. At these work sessions, a budget survey was developed and posted on the school district’s website. We received more than 270 responses and appreciate the insight survey participants provided to the administration and BOE members in helping to prioritize budget issues.

Fortunately, the district will receive additional state aid for 2012-13. As a result, the need to further reduce professional staff was not required. However, the budget does include several other reductions. Th ere will be eliminations of three support staff positions, which include two special education teacher aides and one cleaner. Th ere will also be other reductions in personnel costs. No funding has been budgeted for department chairs and grade-level coordinators. Th e staff development budget has also been reduced as a result of changes in the calendar for next school year. We have scheduled several afternoon sessions to conduct staff development in addition to the superintendent’s conference days (full days). Th e summer days/hours were reduced for both instructional and non-instructional staff . Th e communications coordinator position purchased from Broome-Tioga BOCES will be reduced. Th is will impact the frequency and distribution of the newsletter. A limited number of newsletters will be mailed to residents as well as posted to the website.

We hope you will take the opportunity to review the budget information contained in this newsletter. Additional information is also posted on our website at www.cforks.org.

If you have questions, please contact Kathy Blackman, business executive, at 607-648-7564 extension 3529 or W. Edward Ermlich, interim superintendent, at 607-648-7543.

-Kathy Blackman, business executive

Property Tax Cap

2.00%

2.67%

Projected 2012-13 Allowable tax levy 2012-13

Vote Tuesday, May 15

Noon-9 p.m. HS AuditoriumBand Boosters

Ice Cream Social&

PTA Popcorn5-7 p.m.

5%

4%

3%

2%

1%

0%

5%

4%

3%

2%

1%

0%

May/Budget 20122 DistrictDistrict

*10-Year Average Tax Levy Increase

4.40%

*10-Year Average Budget Increase

2.57%

Projected 2012-13 Tax Levy

*Average increase on a $100,000 home (Before STAR savings applied)

$41.07

2012 - 2013 Proposed Budget

Diff erenceAdministrative $147,795 Program $1,001,577Capital $73,029 Total $1,222,401

2012 - 2013 BudgetAdministrative $3,334,391Program $20,145,721Capital $6,053,743

Total $29,533,855

2012-13Projected Tax Levy Increase = 2.00%Projected Budget Increase = 4.32%

*Average full value home $100,000*2011-2012 full value rate per $1,000 $20.52*2012-2013 projected full value rate per $1,000 $20.93*Increase in rate per $1,000 $.41

*Average Tax Increase Per Month$3.42

*Average Tax Increase Per Day11 cents

*Averages subject to changes in equalization rates established by the New York State Offi ce of Real Property Services (in July, after the taxpayer budget vote,) STAR exemptions and assessments.

Th e Basic and the Enhanced STAR savings will reduce the school taxes owed.

2011 - 2012 BudgetAdministrative $3,186,596Program $19,144,144Capital $5,980,714

Total $28,311,454

A special thank you to community and staff who participated in the community budget work sessions. We appreciate your contributions of

time, ideas and support for the district’s future.

3May/Budget 2012 DistrictDistrict

2011-12 RevenueTax Levy36% State Aid

52%

Fund Balance

6%Other Revenue

6%

Budget Revenue

Below are comparisons between 2011-12 and 2012-13 budget revenue sources and their percentages. Th e district revenues are composed of four main sources: state aid, local property taxes from residents, other revenue such as interest and tuition, and fund reserves.

Budget ExpendituresBudget expenditures include program, capital and administrative components. Th e Program Component provides funding for instruction and student support services for CF students in four instructional buildings. Transportation funding is also included in this section.Th e Capital Component provides funding for operations, maintenance and facilities, the district’s debt service and transfers to other funds.Th e Administrative Component includes administrators, supervisors, curriculum/staff development, business offi ce costs and legal and insurances costs. Below are comparisons between the 2011-12 and 2012-13 budget expenditures and their percentages. Th ere were no signifi cant changes to the allocation of resources among the expenditure components. Th e district spends a majority of our funds on program expenditures.

2011-12 ExpendituresProgram

68%

Capital21%

Administrative11%

2012-13 Projected RevenueTax Levy35% State Aid

53%

Other Revenue5%

2012-13 Projected ExpendituresProgram

68%

Capital21%

Administrative11%

Fund Balance

7%

May/Budget 20124 District/CFEDistrict/CFE

Debt Service12%

Benefi ts28%

Salaries 35%

Other Costs5%

Utilities & Fuel3%Transportation

6%

Budget breakdown

The chart below shows the distribution of expenses for the 2012-13 school year. Th e largest percentages are for employee costs and related benefi ts.

Shared services-BOCES

A majority of shared services in which the district participates in are contracted through the Broome-Tioga BOCES. Cooperative services are services provided through BOCES

where one or more districts share in the service. Th e following chart highlights the cooperative services we participate in and the percentage in relationship to the contracted total amounts we purchase through BOCES.

Special Education Student

Placements44%

Occupational Education Student Placements

13%

Secondary Academic Summer School

1%

Student Services-Library/

Attendance/Guidance

3%

Informational Technology

Support17%

Central Services-Public Information/Health & Safety/Telephone/

Duplicating7%

Administrative & Capital BOCES

Budgets7%

Regular Instruction/Staff

Development8%

CFE morning program

Our morning program character theme for May is personal best. Giving your personal best means doing the very

best job you can. Everyone’s personal best is diff erent. What matters is that you’re giving it your all. Remember, your attitude determines your altitude. When you do your best, there’s no limit to how high you can go.

Students will be showing off their personal best by working together during class time and singing fun songs such as“Down by the Bay” and “Inch by Inch.” Th e program is on day 6 at 9:05 a.m., in the CFE auditorium. Th is will be the last program for the school year. Th ere will be no morning program in June. We hope to see you at our last fun program.

-Nicole Laura, K-3 library media specialist

BOCES11%

Students awarded scholarships

Four high school seniors received the New York

state 2012 Scholarship for Academic Excellence Award. Th ey are James Allen, Andrew Collyer, Emily Feldpausch and Alexis Kellicutt.

Th is scholarship is awarded to outstanding graduates from registered New York state high schools. Awards are based on student grades on certain Regents exams. Congratulations.

-Linda Myers, communications coordinator

Front: James Allen and Andrew Collyer. Back: Emily Feldpausch and Alexis Kellicutt.

5May/Budget 2012 DistrictDistrictVoting procedures and information

Voter qualifi cationsYou are qualifi ed to vote if you are: 18 years of age or older. A citizen of the United States. A resident of the school district for 30 days.

Absentee ballotsAbsentee ballots are now available for individuals who will be absent from the district while the polls are open due to: Business, occupation or studies. Confi nement in a hospital or jail. Physical disability or illness. Vacation (includes retirees.)Call 648-7564, ext. 3629 for ballots.

Important informationTh e information listed below is available in the business offi ce located in the Chenango Forks High School, One Gordon Drive, Binghamton, N.Y. School report card. Property tax report card. Superintendent/associate superintendent salary and benefi ts. Line-item budget information.Property tax exemption information.

Voter I.D.Identifi cation will be required when you vote. Acceptable forms of identifi cation include: Valid driver’s license. A passport. Certifi ed photo identifi cation such as a Sheriff ’s I.D. card.

Senior & disability exemptionsTh e Board of Education has adopted the following

schedule for the senior exemption:Income Level Percent$15,001 or less ..........................................50%$15,001 to $16,000 ..................................45%$16,001 to $17,000 ..................................40%$17,001 to $18,000 .................................35%$18,001 to $18,900 ..................................30%$18,901 to $19,800 ..................................25%$19,801 to $20,700 ........................................... 20%

Take a trip “Into the Woods”

The Chenango Forks Drama Club invites you to its performance of “Into the Woods.” Based on the book written by James Lapine and music and lyrics by Stephan

Sondheim, the story revolves around fairy tale characters whose lives intertwine as they venture into the woods.

Th e cast features Brandy Engle as Cinderella, Taylor Kimble as the Wicked Witch, Marisa Valdes as Little Red Riding Hood, Nick Shannon as Jack, Seth Lake as Prince Charming, Andrew Collyer and Seamus Houlihan as the Baker, and Mariana Rogers as the Baker’s Wife. Th e cast also features Cinderella’s stepsisters (Kaitlin Trathen & Natalie Valla) and stepmother (Katelyn Luke), Jack’s mother (Noelle Valla), Rapunzel (Brianna Jeavons), Rapunzel’s prince (Nick Shannon), and narrator (Ali Barvinchak), as well as an ensemble of characters played by Logan DePersiis, Susie Condon, Lindsay Humphrey, Ariel Roys and Sydney Slottje.

Th e cast and crew worked tirelessly to design and build the sets, costumes and props, as well as learn lines, songs and choreography. This is truly a student-produced show and an amazing showcase of the many

talents o f our students. Everything in this musical was designed and constructed exclusively by the students involved in the production. Crew members are Melissa Boeker, Diana Bouton, Nicole Clark, Sarah Maximowicz, Rebecca Miner and Ashley Slavick.

Th e production is directed by Stephanie Zajac and Jessica McBreen, Drama Club advisors, and produced by the cast and crew.

-Stephanie Zajac, Drama Club advisor

Friday, May 4 & Saturday, May 5 @ 7 p.m.

Sunday, May 6 @ 2 p.m.

High School Auditorium

Tickets $7 for general admission and $5 for students and seniors.

Tickets can be purchased at the door.

Rebecca Miner and Natalie Valla work on the set.R b Mi d N li V ll k

“Into the Woods” is presented through special arrangement with Music Th eatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.

May/Budget 20126 District/CFEDistrict/CFE

We’re all Irish on St. Patrick’s Day

The day before St. Patrick’s Day, students at CFE were treated to “a lil bit o Irish dancin,” as dancers from the Carle School of Irish Dance gave a performance.

With the unique fl air of Irish dancing, these talented students performed soft and hard shoe dances and even got the crowd involved by selecting volunteers to learn a dance called “Th e Walls of Limerick.”

Chenango Forks is proud to have nine girls ranging from second- to eighth-grade who dance with the school. Th e crowd loved listening to the hard shoe dances and the dancers really got the school in the St. Patrick’s Day spirit.

-Ann Saroka, CFE RtI teacher Fourth-grader Autumn Penny dances with eighth-grader Kelly Saroka.

How you can “kill a watt”Energy conservation through increased awareness

A current focus in the world of energy conservation is fi nding ways to curb what is known as phantom load, idle current, standby or vampire power. What they all

have in common is they refer to energy that gets drawn from the utility grid into your home, offi ce or classroom even when we don’t need or want it. A number of electronic devices and appliances draw electricity even when they are not in use, just by being plugged into a receptacle. Th ough it may seem insignifi cant, it can add up over time, especially if you have a large volume of devices.

Some of the disadvantages of standby power include:We consume electricity not used productively.In turn, we increase the demand from utility companies.Th e increased demand to power generating plants also increases pollutants discharged into the atmosphere.We are paying for unused energy.

Such is the case in most school buildings where hundreds of devices are used in classrooms, labs, libraries and offi ces throughout a 10 to 12 month period. Examples include computer monitors, printers, projectors and chargers for various types of equipment. Energy consumption varies with age and capacity, but the following is the average wattage of each example while in sleep or standby mode.Flat screen monitor – 1.5 wattsCell phone charger – 1.6 wattsOverhead digital projector – 7.2 wattsLaserJet printer – 10.4 watts

Using the above devices and their wattage, let’s see how this school district might benefi t from a heightened awareness and overall commitment to turning off and unplugging devices when possible. We can calculate the potential savings with a simple equation:

Watts x hours/day x days/year = watt hours/yearwatt hours/year ÷ 1000 watts = kwh or kilowatt hourskwh x cost/kwh = cost/year

Example: Flat screen monitor in standby mode:1.5w X 21 hr/day X 365 days/yr=11,498 watt hrs/year(hr/day is an estimated daily average allowing for 183 school days and 6 hrs/day in full use mode)11,498w hrs ÷ 1,000w = 11.5 kwh/yr11.5 kwh x $.0975/kwh = $1.12/yr

Th is is a seemingly insignifi cant dollar amount until you multiply $1.12 by the total number of monitors in the district, which is approximately 800 at this time. Now we have a potential savings of $896 annually.

Using the same calculation for at least one (1) digital projector in every classroom, library, lab and conference room:7.2w x 23 hr/day x 365 days/yr=60,444 watt hrs/year(hr/day is an estimated daily average allowing for 183 school days and 2 hrs/day in full use mode)60,444w hrs ÷ 1,000w = 60.44 kwh/yr60.44 kwh x $.0975/kwh = $5.89/yYr$5.89/yr x 140 projectors = $825/Yr

When we combine the calculated costs of other items such as chargers ($240 a year) and printers ($311 for 50% of the printers in the district), we have the potential to save $2,272 annually on the electric bills if we do our part to unplug and shut off devices not in use.

Using the same calculations for a typical classroom with four computers/monitors, one projector and one charger for ten days (represents the average spring break), a savings of $6.32 per room with approximately 120 classrooms across campus could potentially save $758.40 if these devices are unplugged or shut off . Over time, the savings add up, and every little bit helps.

-Chris Santospirito, energy management coordinator

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7May/Budget 2012 District/MS/HSDistrict/MS/HSFrequently asked budget questions

Can you explain the property tax cap in understandable language?Th e property tax cap basically limits the amount the district can raise taxes to a certain percentage calculated by a tax cap formula set forth by New York

state. Th e only way to exceed the tax cap is to have 60 percent voter approval. Th e property tax cap for Chenango Forks is 2.67percent.

Why were staff members cut this year and then we purchased a large quantity of iPads? Th e iPads were purchased with state funds specifi cally designated for instructional materials. Th ese funds could not be used to fund teachers or other support staff salaries.

Are there cuts to the arts this year? No. In fact, we plan to restore sixth-grade art for this coming school year.

Why are buses voted on in a separate proposition? Th e buses require a separate proposition because the purchases are funded by issuing an installment bond. Th e bond is fi nanced over a period of fi ve years. Th is period was chosen because it corresponds to the receipt of state aid on the buses. We receive transportation aid over a fi ve-year period as well.

How many buses are we purchasing and are they fuel effi cient? Th e proposition for buses is for $310,000. Th is will be used to purchase two large liquid propane (LP)buses and two small diesel buses. Th e LP buses are more fuel effi cient and will provide a safe alternative fuel choice amidst rising fuel costs. Th e district chose not to purchase small LP buses at this time because they are cost prohibitive.

Why is our budget increase higher than in the past? Th e budget increase is 4.32%. More than one-half of the increase relates to the Federal Education Jobs Funding in the amount of $675,368, or 2.39%, which was required to be reported in a separate fund this school year. Th e remainder of the increase is $547,033 or, 1.93%, which relates to the operating increase between the 2011-12 and the 2012-13 budgets.

How can I fi nd out more information about the budget? Additional information is posted on our website or can be obtained by emailing Kathy Blackman at blackmank@cforks.org or calling 607-648-7564, ext. 3529.

-Kathy Blackman, business executive

On March 23, the Chenango Forks middle and high school jazz bands fi lled the Oakdale Mall with the sounds of their music in celebration of Music in our Schools Month. Each year

the bands travel to the mall to perform a variety of tunes.

Mall visitors were treated to musical selections such as “Soul Man,” “Free Bird,” “I Gotta Feeling,” and “Moon River.” Families, friends and mall shoppers alike thoroughly enjoyed l istening to the performances.

Music in our Schools Month highlights musical talents

HS jazz band.MS jazz band.

-Jamie Dybas, MS band director

Starr to be in Macy’s 2012 parade

Kenny Starr, for the second time, has been selected to be part of the Macy’s Great

American Marching Band in this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. He is one of approximately 220 student musicians from around the country who will be marching in the band. Once again, congratulations to Kenny. -Linda Myers, communications coordinator

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May/Budget 20128 District/CFEDistrict/CFE

CFE May dates5/1 PTA Meet the Candidates & mtg., @ 6 p.m., CFE library5/2 5th-grade chorus & band spring concert @ 7 p.m.5/7 PreK & K information night @ 6 p.m.

5/15 Budget Vote, noon-9 p.m., HS auditorium Site Council mtg., @ 2:35 p.m.5/25 No school. Memorial Day weekend.5/28 No school. Memorial Day.5/29 PTA mtg., @ 3:30 p.m., CFE library

Sign up for pre-k & kindergarten

If you have a child who will be four or fi ve years old on or before November 30, 2012, they are eligible for the CF pre-k or kindergarten programs. If your child will be six-years-old on or before November 30, 2012, they must be registered for kindergarten for the upcoming school year. Forms are available for preregistration on our website and at the CFE offi ce.

Parent information night will be May 7.

Orientation dates are May 9, 10 and 11, by appointment.

Please note: If your child is currently enrolled in the pre-kindergarten program at CFE for the 2011-12 school year, your child will automatically be enrolled for kindergarten beginning in September 2012. If you have any questions please contact the CFE offi ce at 648-7580.

-Nicole Knapp, CFE principal

PTA at the ForksYour PTA sponsors many events for students

The PTA would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who participated in the Gertrude Hawk candy sale. With your eff orts, we earned more than

$20,000. We receive half that amount to help fund events and programs for our school district, including the fourth-grade fi eld trip to Cooperstown, fi fth-grade coal mine trip, Fall Festival, seventh-grade fi eld trip to the Cider Mill Playhouse, scholarships for two qualifying seniors, the popular PARP program and many more. Again, with this incredible success, we surpassed our budgeted goal.

We are excited about our upcoming fi rst annual garage and bake sale on Saturday, May 5, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., in the Chenango Forks Elementary cafeteria. If you are interested in selling your personal items, the cost is $15 per table or two tables for $25. We would also appreciate donations of baked goods. Proceeds benefi t the PTA’s programs and initiatives. Please contact Chris Johnson at 204-0303 if you are interested in participating.

Our Staff Appreciation Day will be Tuesday, May 8. During this event, the PTA expresses their gratitude to the entire Chenango Forks teaching and support staff with a delicious

brunch. Th ank you teachers and staff for all the time, energy and dedication you put forth to make our school a wonderful place for our children.

Applications for the two $500 PTA scholarships awarded to two deserving high school seniors who have demonstrated the “Spirit of Volunteerism” were received and are being reviewed by the PTA Scholarship Committee.

We hope you can join us at one or both of our upcoming meetings -May 1, 6 p.m. and May 29, 3:30 p.m.,- both in the CFE library. If you’re not a member and would like to join, please contact membership chair Laurie Forker at 648-9715. Th e membership form is also available on the district website. If you have questions, comments or suggestions, please call or email any PTA offi cer.

President: Henry Arciolla, henry.arciolla@gmail.com, 343-1168

Vice-President: Christine Duff y-Webb, webca@sunybroome.edu, 222-7520

Treasurer: Candace Madison, candiemaddie@yahoo.com, 648-4399

Secretary: Kerri Vail, dkvail@frontier.com, 648-8010. -Kerri Vail, PTA secretary

9May/Budget 2012

“Caught with Character”Chenango Forks ElementaryChenango Forks Elementary

It’s who you are. It’s what you do. It’s the way you live your life. Character counts!

Lori DeAngelo’s 3rd-grade class

Caroline Waddell’s kindergarten class

Lori DeAngelo’s 3rd-grade classSusan Erickson’s 5th-grade class

Lori DeAngelo’s 3rd-grade classJoyce Pixley’s 1st-grade class

Lori DeAngelo’s 3rd-grade classHeather Marvin’s 2nd-grade class

Lori DeAngelo’s 3rd-grade classRoe Lapham’s 4th-grade class

May/Budget 201210 Chenango Forks ElementaryChenango Forks Elementary

Stepping back in time, students in Sue Johnson’s fourth-grade class researched and studied Colonial-era

villages after wrapping up a unit of study on Colonial America and New York.

Using a combination of modern technology and traditional learning tools, students discovered how villagers lived, what their buildings looked liked and the kinds of food they ate.

Principal’s messageClass placements

The end of the year is near and with that the top question on parents’ minds is “Where will my child be placed next year?” I know it is important for your

child to get the best teacher for his/her particular needs. We are fortunate to have a staff with unique qualities that help meet the needs of all students. All staff members are excellent teachers and work hard to make your child’s experience successful.

When we develop our class lists during placement, our goal is to construct a heterogeneous group of learners. Th e following are some of the criteria we take into consideration in this process:Balance of boys and girlsBirth datesAssessment scoresInformation provided to us from parents Information provided to us from child’s previous teacherStudent relationships

Classroom environmentSpecial learning considerations

As you can see, this is not a simple process and it requires a great deal of thought and planning. A well-balanced class allows the students and teachers to perform at their best. We will make every eff ort to place your child in a classroom where they will be successful.

Parent requests will be accepted May 21- June 1. Requests must be submitted in person in the CFE offi ce and only forms that are completed following all guidelines will be accepted. Student placement will take place in June.

I am confi dent this process will allow us to do an eff ective job of developing class lists and continuing to improve student achievement at all grade levels. We greatly appreciate the level of trust you have in us to educate your child and thank you for your help and support.

-Nicole Knapp, CFE principal

Researching with library books, textbooks and iPads, students learned that the roads villagers traveled on were dirt and that every building needed a fi replace for heat. In one group, students used an iPad to research churches and houses. At another desk, a student fl ipped through a text book to fi nd information on houses.

After completing their research, students created villages using milk cartons, cereal

boxes, string, tape, glue and many other items.

They completed their projects with a traditional afternoon colonial tea. Th ey made butter, which was put on cornbread and Sally Lunn bread. Dessert was snickerdoodle cookies with apple butter and, of course, tea. Some students even had real tea made with loose tea in a tea ball. Students enjoyed their trip back in time while learning about an important part of our history.

-Linda Myers, communications coordinator

Sam Zarrelli and Dillon Pook enjoy some tea.Viktoria Lavrinovich uses an iPad to research Colonial villages.

Austin Denton and Brayden Robinson work on making a part of the village.

Students construct a colonial village

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11May/Budget 2012 Middle SchoolMiddle SchoolStudent of the month

Front., l-r: Kenoa Tio (Regents Earth Science-L. Brooks), Alexa Juran (Home & Career Skills 8-L. Breck), Elisabeth Syron (French I-J. Myers & Art-J. Russell), Claire Stocum (P.E.-P. Kwatler & English 8-M. Zappia). Back, l-r: Jesse Dayton (P.E.-P. Derr), Lauren Rooney (Home & Career Skills 7-L. Breck), Kaitlyn Walsh (P.E.-P. Derr), Robert Pinataro (P.E.-N. Fersch), Dylan Studer (Health 8-K. Shapiro).

Front, l-r: Tara Grospin (Art-J. Russell), Kylie Warner (Spanish IB-J. Pepples), Alexandra Yoest (Science 7-C. Church & Information Literacy-M. Santacrose), Megan LeVasseur (Technology 8-L. Baxter). Back, l-r: Cathryn Lally (Home & Career Skills 6-L. Breck), Nick Boyle (Social Studies 6-P. Kamp), Jesse Merithew (Science 6-T. Urda), Julia Rhodes (Technology 7-L. Baxter), Ryan Simmons (Math 8-M. Tio).

Front, l-r: Morgan Curtis (Band 6-J. Dybas), Holland Hunink (Health 6-K. Shapiro & P.E.-M. Grady), Morgan Bongiorno (Reading 6 -T. Vermaat), Janey Creson (Science 6-T. Vermaat). Back, l-r: Jason Samsel (Math 6-T. Sanford), Dylan Palmer (Reading-K. Church), Kris Ross (P.E.-P. Derr), Vald Nikolayev (Written Expression-P. Kamp), Charles Syron (General Music 6-N. Wildoner & Technology 6-L. Baxter). Unavailable for photo: Zack Locke (Social Studies 7-C. Spencer), Klayton DuBois (Written Expression-M. O’Hearn).

Front, l-r: Zach Ostrander (Academic Achievement 8-R. Fortier), Terry Lindow (Home & Career Skills 8-D. Daniels), Dylan Silvanic (Science 8-A. Brennan). Back, l-r: Jeff Ames (Band 7-J. Dybas), Aaron Pixley (Math 7-D. Lynch), Jason Guth (Band 8-J. Dybas).

Front, l-r: Kevin Vogel (Information Literacy-J. Russell), Cameron O’Neil (Science 7A-A. Brennan). Back, l-r: Kyle Norton (Academic Achievement-K. Pokorak), Bryan Heller (English 7-K. Taylor), Darrin Gerringer (General Music 7-N. Wildoner). Unavailable for photo: Ava Hudak (Spanish IB-J. Pepples).

May/Budget 201212

5/1 PTA Meet the Candidates & mtg., @ 6 p.m., CFE library5/7 Site council mtg., @ 2:15 p.m.

5/11 MS/HS 35-week progress reports

5/15 Budget Vote, noon-9 p.m., HS auditorium

5/25 No school. Memorial Day weekend.

5/28 No school. Memorial Day.

5/29 PTA mtg., @3:30 p.m., CFE library

Middle School May dates

Principal’s messageOLWEUS bullying prevention

We will be incoporating the OLWEUS Bullying Prevention Program

(OBPP) into the Chenango Forks Middle School culture.

What is OBPP? OLWEUS is a researched-based bullying prevention program founded by Dr. Daniel Olweus. Th e goal of OBPP is to improve peer relationships and make school

a safe, more positive place for students, while fostering a positive climate for all members of the school community. Our fi rst step in this new endeavor is for our students to take an anonymous online questionnaire. We hope this survey will give us information on student attitudes about our school and show us areas where we need to focus to improve the climate at the middle school.

We look forward to embarking on this journey together with our middle school families so we can continue our mission “to provide an environment that fosters personal growth in academics, behavior and critical thinking. We can make a diff erence.”

And with that in mind, we continue to stress the three “R’s”: Respect,

Responsibility and Reasonableness. Th e Middle School Art Club students have begun to give our cafeteria a face lift using the three R’s as the theme. Th is artwork represents the principles we have for our middle school community.

-Lori Pourby, MS principal

Middle School/High SchoolMiddle School/High SchoolYoung leaders learn life lessons

After being nominated by their eighth-grade math teacher, Mina Tio, freshmen Carley Church, Mia Hayes and Natalie Valla attended the “National Young

Leaders State Conference” in Albany, March 1-4.

Students had the opportunity to work with other eighth- and ninth-graders from across the state. Th ey took inventory of their current leadership qualities and challenged themselves to develop new ones while working as part of a leadership development group.

In studying the ways in which leaders work with others, participants investigated group dynamics, including decision making processes, communication methods and leadership styles. In another activity, presentation, public speaking and project planning skills were developed.

Th e girls explored the concepts of diversity and tolerance while investigating the eff ect words and actions have on others. Th ey discussed their roles as leaders and developed strategies for ensuring that diverse people and ideas are respected in their schools and communities. A confl ict resolution workshop demonstrated how confl ict can escalate from discomfort to crisis and then how to address confl ict appropriately, such as listening with empathy and using “I”statements to help diff use a confl ict.

All three students learned about the skills needed to be an eff ective leader and felt the conference was a great learning experience.

-Karyn Church, MS reading teacher

Carley Church, Mia Hayes and Natalie Valla during the conference.

Art club students started their artwork on one of the pillars in the cafeteria. This pillar will be Respect.

13May/Budget 2012 Middle School/High SchoolMiddle School/High SchoolStudents compete in speedball

Speedball is not a well-known sport but the students who play it love it. Speedball is a combination of soccer and basketball. If the ball is on the ground they kick it like

soccer and shoot a goal. If it is popped up they can run with it and put it in the hoop like basketball. Th e students play hard during this intramural activity and getting to the championship is the ultimate goal.

Th e newest speedball champions were the ‘Potatoes,’ who beat ‘No Name’ in a very close game. Both teams scored two-point baskets and had several lead changes. It was a fun competition for all.

-Paul Derr, MS P.E. teacher

A dose of reality

What happens when you drink alcohol? Students in Karen Shapiro’s middle school health classes got a lesson in what really happens when you drink

alcohol, and they learned it is not what you see on TV shows and commercials.

Nate Grassi, an educator with Lourdes Youth Services, showed students, through a series of activities, how people have false perceptions about their abilities to perform simple tasks when a roadblock such as alcohol is introduced. Th ey also learned how binge drinking could aff ect their body, especially their liver, as well as how it can aff ect your brain. He also introduced some surprising statistics, such as the amount of alcohol in various types of beverages.

Students walked away with a better understanding of the dangers of alcohol consumption.

-Karen Shapiro, MS health teacher

Students place in art show

The Chenango Forks Fine Arts Department congratulates Rachel Burdick, Olivia Park and Stephanie Zdimal, art students in Keith Rosko’s class, who were winners in the 2012 “An Artistic Discovery” High School Art Competition sponsored by the Broome County Arts Council. Th is annual juried competition is for Broome County high schools

located in the 24th Congressional District.

Th eir art work, along with other award winners from Broome County, will compete with artwork by student artists from 11 other counties in the 24th Congressional District competition in Utica. Th e winning artwork from that round will be exhibited for a year on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

Student artists from Broome County won the top prize in 2006, 2008 and 2009, including CF 2009 graduate Kiefer Collingwood, whose art work was exhibited on Capitol Hill for one year. Good luck to these students.

Th is year’s winners are:Rachel Burdick-Use of Media Award for “Roll with it”Olivia Park-Line and Color Award for “Fall Leaf Mosaic”Stephanie Zdimal-Originality Award for “Fifties Fun”

-Keith Rosko, HS art teacherRachel Burdick with her winning photograph on display at the Arts Council show.

Students use tennis balls to show how quickly the liver stops working when alcohol is used.

Front, l-r: Dan Crowningshield, Connor Borchardt, Lucas Gaworecki. Back, l-r: Brad Wiley, Anastasia Rusnak, Brooke Maietta.

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May/Budget 201214 Middle School/High SchoolMiddle School/High SchoolCF teams compete in Odyssey of the Mind

Once again, CF middle and high school Odyssey of the Mind teams represented the district well, competing against dozens of other schools in the

regional competition held at Broome-Tioga BOCES.

Th e Middle School team competed in the “Weird Science” problem and placed fourth out of nine teams in their division. Team members include Brennan Goetz, Alexander McRoberts, Olivia Haskell, Antonia Lobacz, Elliot McRoberts, and coach Jacqueline Scallan.

Th e High School team won fi rst place in the “Odyssey Angels” problem. By winning fi rst place, the team advanced to the state competition at Binghamton University on March 31. Th ey also received an OMER award, which is named for the Odyssey of the Mind raccoon mascot, OMER, in recognition of individuals or teams who demonstrate outstanding sportsmanship, exemplary behavior or exceptional talent. Th ey were nominated by their coach, Carol Denz, who has been with the team for seven years. Team members are Ariel Roys, Alexis Kellicutt, Nick Shannon, Sarah Maximowicz, Taylor Zarrelli, Emily Feldpausch, Alexandra Barvinchak, Ashley Slavick.

Congratulations to both teams. -Melissa Santacrose, HS library media specialist

Students play a trivia game on “Th e Hunger Games”

Tributes, careers, tracker jackers and the reaping. Students tackled questions on these subjects and more at the high school library’s Hunger

Games Trivia Contest. Th e contest was based on the popular book “Th e Hunger Games,” written by Suzanne Collins, which has turned into a blockbuster hit in the movie theaters.

About 40 students and one teacher team, for a total of nine teams, took part in the event on March 22. Competition was fi erce and excitement was building in anticipation of the movie opening that night.

Congratulations to the winning team of Jesse Redfern, Karis Dubois and Carlene Solomon. Th anks to Regal Th eaters for donating movie passes for the winners. A small group of students and teachers also attended the movie that weekend.

-Melissa Santacrose, HS Library Media Specialist Hailey Brace and Audrey Orzelek listen to a question.

Wearing their team t-shirts and Mockingjay pins, Callie Gill, Courtney Casterlin, Stephanie Zdimal, Mariya Pecheny and Emily Feldpausch show the answer to the question, “What gesture of admiration does the crowd make at the Reaping after Katniss takes her sister’s place as District 12’s tribute?”

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Middle School team.

Front, l-r: Emily Feldpausch, Ariel Roys, Alexis Kellicutt. Back, l-r: Alexandra Barvinchak, Nick Shannon, Sarah Maximowicz, Ashley Slavick, Taylor Zarrelli.

15May/Budget 2012

Student of the monthHigh SchoolHigh School

High School May dates

5/1 PTA Meet the Candidates & mtg., @ 6 p.m., CFE library5/7 Site council mtg., @ 2:20 p.m.5/11 MS/HS 35-week progress reports5/14-17 AP exams5/18 HS prom

5/15 Budget Vote, noon-9 p.m., HS auditorium5/25 No school. Memorial Day weekend.5/28 No school. Memorial Day.5/29 PTA mtg., @ 3:30 p.m., CFE library6/13-22 Regents exams

Sophomores

Front, l-r: Alicia Sullivan (Health Education-K. Shapiro & Algebra/Trig 2-A. Biddle), Jewelie Spencer (Spanish II-J. Pepples), Evan Piccano (Spanish III-C. Panko). Back, l-r: Luke Warpus (Computer Art-K. Rosko), Anthony Bowersox (Global History-R. Condon). Unavailable for photo: Daniel Ehrets (French III-J. Myers), Bailey Park (Regents Biology-T. Giovenco & Health-D. Daniels).

Juniors

Sethiah Lake (English-A. Gumble), David Stermer (Band-N. Wildoner).

Seniors

Kelly Guth (Regents Physics-S. Laine), Phillip Hardy (Sociology-C. Spencer), Taylor Powers (AP Biology-T. Giovenco).

Front, l-r: Daniel Ames (P.E.-V. Kwartler), Samantha Johnson (Regents Earth Science-T. Giovenco), Melissa Boeker (Geometry-M. Fendick). Back, l-r: Bradley Norton (P.E.-K. Kwartler), Garrett Krisko (English-A. Gumble), Jack Sherwood (Spanish II-S. Byrnes).

Freshmen

May/Budget 201216 Home of the Blue DevilsHome of the Blue Devils1 Gordon DriveBinghamton, NY 13901

Nonprofi t OrganizationU.S. Postage PAID

Permit No. 155Binghamton, NY 13901

Meetings & Reminders5/1 PTA Meet the Candidates & mtg., @ 6 p.m., CFE library5/3 Budget hearing & mtg., @ 7 p.m.5/7-11 National Teacher Appreciation week5/8 National Teacher Appreciation day5/9 National School Nurse day5/14 CFCA Board mtg., @ 7 p.m., HS lecture 15/15 Budget Vote, noon - 9 p.m., HS auditorium Band Boosters Ice Cream Social & PTA popcorn, 5-7 p.m.5/25 No school. Memorial Day weekend.5/28 No school. Memorial Day.5/29 PTA mtg., @ 3:30 p.m., CFE library

Interim Superintendent of SchoolsW. Edward Ermlich

Associate Superintendent for Curriculum/Instruction, Health/Safety Matters & Special Education Kathleen Dixon

Business ExecutiveKathy Blackman

Communications CoordinatorLinda Myers

ECRWSS Postal Patron

Budget Hearing & MeetingTh ursday, May 3 @ 7 p.m.

Middle School Library

Annual VoteTuesday, May 15

Noon - 9 p.m. High School Auditorium

(As required by law, you will receive a separate notice for the annual vote by mail.)

Band Boosters Ice Cream Social&

PTA Popcorn5-7 p.m.

After you vote, you and your family are invited to enjoy free ice cream and popcorn!

PTA MeetingMeet the BOE candidatesTuesday, May 1 @ 6 p.m.

CFE Library

Enjoy the music of springCFE 5th-grade band chorus concert, May 2 @ 7 p.m.Drama Club musical, May 4 & 5 @ 7 p.m.Drama Club musical, May 6 @ 2 p.m.MS/HS choral concert, May 9 @ at 7:30 p.m. MS/HS band concert, May 14 @ 7:30 p.m.

Soccer sign-ups

The Empire United Soccer Association (EUSA) is holding sign-ups for boys and girls entering grades Pre-K through 6 (fall 2012) on Tuesday, June 12, and Wednesday, June

13, 6-8 p.m. in the Chenango Forks Elementary cafeteria. Th e playing fee is $35 and all athletes must be registered by June 30. For additional information, go to www.empireunitedsoccerclub.org.

Th e Chenango Forks Drama Club presents

“Into the Woods”May 4 & 5 @ 7 p.m.

May 6 @ 2 p.m.Tickets are available at the door. For more information, please see page 5 of this newsletter.

-EUSA