Truth

Volume 6, Issue 2

Keshequa

The mission of

the Keshequa

Central School

District is

to provide

opportunities

to empower all

students to be

cooperative,

self-directed

lifelong learners,

prepared to

responsibly meet

the challenges of

the twenty-first

century.

October 2008

www.keshequa.org

Chronicle

To reach school district personnel by email please

visit our website at www.keshequa.org, click on

the Dalton Elementary, Nunda Middle School, or

Nunda High School link, scroll down the page and

look for the link that says Faculty Directory. For

questions please call 468-2541 ext. 1105.

Reading with Ross

It has long been said

that dog is man’s best

friend, but Sharon Cantle-

berry’s students could have

their own interpretation.

For the past few years,

Cantleberry has provided

her third graders with

man’s best reading partner

– a four-legged, floppy-

eared dog named Ross.

Cantleberry’s four-year-

old Labrador/Great Dane

mix visits the class monthly,

staying all day to allow

each student 30 minutes of

reading time. Each student

picks a book prior to the

dog’s visit to read aloud

to him. The visits allow

students to practice their

reading fluency without be -

ing embarrassed if they make a mistake. Ross

simply sits next to them and listens.

“They’re not worrying about reading be -

cause they won’t be critiqued,” said Cantle-

berry.

The experience is getting the students

excited about school and reading. Ross’

visits are highly anticipated. Cantleberry

created a 15-piece Ross puzzle in order for

students to work towards the privilege of

having him visit. Students are rewarded

---

Messag

by Marilyn Capawan, Superint

e

endent

What a difference a year makes!

Last fall, the Board of Education made a commitment to

increase our graduation rate and decrease our dropout rate to

zero by the year 2012. We created long and short term plans to

address the problem, and formed two committees to exam-

ine root causes, interpret data, identify students at risk of not

graduating, and create strategies to help keep those students

in school. Our school counselors, administrators, teachers and

board members worked as a dedicated team, guided by the

vision of “Keshequa Cares” to make a significant, positive dif -

ference in exit outcomes for our students. The data from our

class of 2008 tells the story.

Of the 70 students in our last graduating class, 31%

received a Regents diploma with Advanced Designation, 52%

received a Regents diploma, and 14% earned either an IEP or

local diploma. The dropout rate was 3%, and as of this writing,

those students have reenrolled, with plans to graduate in 2009.

When we compare this to previous years’ dropout rates above

10%, we can see that our efforts are working. Our goal is to

have all students graduate from high school, earning a diploma

that represents the most challenging and

rigorous coursework they can master. Of

last year’s eligible seniors, 79% planned to

attend college, up from 68% the previous

year. While we have already made prog-

ress, we know there is still much work to

be done – and we are doing it.

The philosophy and goals of

“Keshequa Cares” are being implemented

at the middle and high schools. We

have developed a unified system of

pupil services, dedicated to closely

monitoring students and identifying

those whose attendance, behavior, social

and/or emotional issues, or academic

performance indicate that they might

be at risk. This team, comprised of

counselors, administrators, a psychologist,

and our home-school liaison, meets

weekly and works with students, families,

and teachers on an individual basis

to create the support needed for the

successful completion of high school.

Strategies may include mentoring, the

development of learning and graduation

plans, adjusting schedules or program,

connecting with outside agencies, and

working closely with families in

any way needed.

Our long term approach includes

early identification and intervention for students who give in -

dications of being at risk. Supports that are in place include our

pre-k program, Response to Intervention model, and increased

focus on literacy at the elementary and middle levels. Another

long term strategy is the creation and maintenance of a caring

KCS community, where students, parents, and school personnel

share the vision of preparing our students for the future they

deserve. Through effective character education programs at the

Elementary and Middle Schools, we work to establish a sense

of caring and respect among students.

You are an essential partner in our students’ futures! Octo-

ber is filled with many activities and opportunities for parents

and community to become involved. Whether you attend our

fall athletic events, or visit us during our upcoming Elementary

and Middle/High School Open Houses, we look forward to

seeing you and celebrating our students’ successes. The Board of

Education also welcomes community participation through its

Policy Committee. If you are interested in sharing your input

and viewpoint in our review of policies throughout the year,

please call Tammy Clark at 468-2541, ext. 1105.

KCS Excelsior Scholar Attends Camp

Jessica Steidle

Keshequa student Jessica Steidle is one of 45 students

from the Rochester area chosen to attend summer camps as

part of New York State Excelsior Scholars Program. Students

who completed the summer program, funded by a grant

from the New York State Department of Education, will be

named Excelsior Scholars by Governor David Paterson.

New York State Excelsior Scholars are students who

have completed seventh grade, maintained a GPA of 90

or above in Math and Science in grades 5-7, and scored a

four in state exams in Math in grades 5-6. Students had to

fill out applications and also collect teacher recommendations. A committee of

administrators reviewed the applications and chose one student to nominate.

Students attended one or both of the following weeklong camps: the

Biotechnology Experience and the Microelectronics Engineering camp. Each

week provided students with hands-on explorations, activities, and experiments

that helped them enhance their understanding of career pathways in math and

science. Jessica attended the Microelectronics Engineering camp at the NYS

Infotonics Center of Excellence in Canandaigua and Rochester Institute of

Technology.

“I thought it was really helpful to learn about the different jobs you can get

in engineering,” said Jessica. “Hopefully, I can do it again next year.”

The Excelsior Scholars grant application was initiated by the Rochester Area

Colleges Center for Excellence in Math and Science (RAC-CEMS). RAC-

CEMS coordinated this grant proposal with the RIT Center for Biotechnology

Education and Training; the RIT Department of Microelectronics Engineering;

and the Infotonics Technology Center. Student nominations were solicited from

25 school districts in a six-county area.

---

3

for good behavior with a piece of the puzzle.

“The students are planning ahead what they’re going to read,” said Cantleberry

about the students’ excitement before a visit.

The visits also provide the opportunity to discuss pet care. Cantleberry stresses

to students the importance of caring for an animal. In one recent visit the class dis-

cussed brushing Ross’ teeth.

“You can use a dog in so many different ways,” she said

This past January, Ross became a licensed therapy dog through Therapy Dog In -

ternational, Inc. Along with obedience lessons, Ross also had to pass an eight week

dog therapy course. Ross had to prove he could function in chaotic and distracting

environments. Therapy dogs go into places like schools, nursing homes, and hospitals

to provide emotional support. This should not be confused with a service dog that

helps a person who needs medical assistance.

As Ross gets older, Cantleberry hopes to have him visit nursing homes and

hospitals. She was motivated to get Ross certified by her grandfather’s love of dogs.

When her grandfather was placed in assisted living, Cantleberry knows he would

have enjoyed a visit from a dog like Ross.

Reading With Ross

continued…

The public is invited to attend the

presentation on Thursday, October 16,

2008. The session will be held in the

Keshequa High School auditorium

and begins at 7:00 p.m. It is spon -

sored by the Rotary Club of Nunda.

This presentation is designed to

present information on scams

such as FAKE LOTTERIES,

PHONY INVESTMENT

OPPORTUNITIES, WORK

AT HOME SCHEMES, and

more. Identity theft prevention

and protection strategies will also

be discussed. The presentation will

emphasize recognition and avoidance

of fraudulent activity. Pamphlets,

DVDs, and other educational

materials will be made available to

attendees.

In 2007, the US Postal Inspection

Service, in collaboration with

financial institutions, consumer

advocacy groups and businesses,

formed the Alliance for Consumer

Fraud Awareness. Consumers

can learn more about fraudulent

activity at the Alliance website,

www.fakechecks.org, and at www.

lookstoogoodtobetrue.com, another

consumer education website formed

in collaboration with businesses,

consumer advocacy groups, and

law enforcement organizations.

Learn how to better

protect yourself and

your loved ones

against fnancial

US Postal Inspectors

consumer education

presentation onfakes,

frauds, and scams.

---

Fall Brings

Change

by Ami Hunt, Dalton Elementary

Principal

Our warm, sunny days are slowly

dwindling while our faculty, staff and

students are gearing up for another

terrific year at Dalton Elementary. I

am delighted to join such a wonderful

school community. As I walk around the

building I have observed students en-

gaged in learning, working on becoming

PeaceBuilders and interested in being a

part of the many after-school clubs that

are offered. It is easy to see that the fac -

ulty and staff at Dalton are very focused

on providing a top-notch educational

experience for your children.

I began my new job here in the

middle of August at about the same

time that the front entrance construc-

tion started. I was a bit apprehensive

as to how we could develop a smooth

process for people to get in and out of

the building during construction. I soon

found out that there was no need to

worry, as everyone has been very coop-

erative and accommodating. I want to

thank the parents, students, faculty, staff

and community for their patience and

willingness to change their usual routine.

I believe that the parent-school

partnership is very important to our

students’ success. We have several events

coming up that promote that partner-

ship. On October 22, we will be hosting

the school’s annual Open House. This

is an opportunity to meet your child’s

teachers and see the different classes

that they may attend. While you are

here, you will also be able to sign up for

parent conferences, which will be held

on November 24 and 25. I look forward

to getting to know all the students and

families this year and hope to see you at

our Open House.

New Principal Feels At

Home in Dalton

Ami Hunt is familiar with the closeness of a small district

and community. That sense of closeness she compares with the

sense of family. Coming from the small community of Ca-

naseraga influenced the new Dalton Elementary Principal to

become an educator.

“I went to a school where faculty and staff knew who the

students were,” said Hunt. “There was a close community feel.

That atmosphere of education was what influenced me to get

into the (education) field.”

Hunt found herself in the same situation although in

different surroundings after being hired this summer.

“I loved the Dalton building. It just felt like home,” said Hunt. “Everybody was

very friendly and welcoming.”

Hunt came to Dalton from Canaseraga Central School District after working

12 years in elementary and special education. She received her bachelor’s degree in

elementary and special education from SUNY Geneseo and a master’s degree from

Alfred University in reading. She did her administrative work at St. Bonaventure

University. Hunt interned at Canaseraga and spent a few years as the school’s

athletic director.

Hunt believes her experiences in elementary and special education, along with

coming from a small community, are positive attributes. Her primary goal is to

become acquainted with the school’s programs and the community. She is already

impressed with the elementary curriculum and the time that has been dedicated to

it.

“I’m looking forward to being at Keshequa and working in the district for a long

time,” she said.

Hunt resides in Canaseraga with her husband Dave and her children Ashleigh

and Adam. In her spare time, Hunt likes to spend time with her family, ski, and

travel. Her family recently traveled to Florida and Virginia Beach.

Music News…

Music teacher Kim Coffey and senior Lindsay Gunn have accepted a fellow -

ship with the Rochester Oratorio Society for the September through October

cycle. Both sopranos had to audition for the director of the group, Eric Townell.

Rehearsals take place at Asbury First United Methodist Church on East Avenue

in Rochester. The concert for this cycle of music will take place on Sunday, Octo -

ber 19 at 3 p.m. Selections include Benjamin Britten’s Noyes Fludde. Visit www.

rossings.org for more information.

Kim Coffey also accompanied Colleen Proctor’s Life Skills class and sev -

enth graders to the U.S. Army’s production of

The Spirit of America

held at the

Blue Cross Arena in Rochester on September 12. The show combined music and

history to tell of the evolution of the U.S. Army. The students witnessed live war

reenactments, the army orchestra, marching band, drum & fife corps, and a few

singers. It was a very captivating show and everyone had a great time!

---

Spending the Summer with Science

Sixth Graders Work to

Help the Environment

Keshequa sixth graders are taking a step towards helping

the environment – one sneaker at a time. To coincide with

their study of resources and conservation in science class, sixth

graders collected old sneakers in an effort to save landfill space

and reduce CO2 emissions. Students, faculty and staff could

bring in their old sneakers through September 30.

The program is in conjunction with Nike, Inc., the Na -

tional Recycling Coalition, and the Monroe County Depart-

ment of Environmental Services. The Avon Webelos Cub

Scouts initiated the project and opened it up to the commu-

nity. Special Education teacher Holly Adams received notice

through the Livingston County Youth Board.

The recycled sneakers will be used to make tennis and bas -

ketball courts along with playground surfaces. It takes about

5,000 recycled sneakers to create playground surfaces and

2,500 to make a basketball or tennis court.

Science teacher Susan Coffey arranged for the sixth

graders to attend the Conservation Field Days on September

23. The teachers challenged the students this year to bring

a “no trash” lunch to help conserve resources and cut down

on garbage. Students who came with reusable lunch

containers and had their food and drinks in a reusable

container were presented with a prize.

Science on the Seneca

Amanda Reichard, Rebecca Pierce, and Kaylie Buckel

joined students from across the region on September 17

for the Business Education Alliance’s Bridge to Employ-

ment program. Students boarded boats at the Finger

Lakes Institute at Hobart and William Smith Colleges for

the educational outreach program entitled

Science on the

Seneca (S.O.S.).

The day introduced students to environ -

mental field studies using Seneca Lake as their laboratory.

Students tested water and conducted experiments which

included the chloride content, PH, dissolved oxygen, water

temperature, sentiments, plankton, and zebra mussels. The

S.O.S program was recently awarded the U.S. Environ-

mental Protection Agency’s Quality Award for Environ-

mental Education.

On September 26, the trio traveled to the American

Red Cross Blood Service Department in Rochester and

then off to work with their mentors in Ortho-Clinical Di -

agnostics through Johnson & Johnson. Students were se -

lected into the Bridge to Employment program and made

a three year commitment to be introduced to a va-

riety of careers within the fields of math, science,

and health care. For more information on the

program, please contact Carrie Malone at the

BEA or Shawn Bielicki at

the high school.

While most teachers and students

were enjoying their summer vacations,

25 regional teachers and 40 local high

school students were learning about

new developments and high tech careers

available in the life sciences field.

The programs were made available

through a joint effort put forth by

several local partners including

the Genesee County Economic

Development Center (GCEDC),

Genesee Community College, Genesee

Valley BOCES, the Business Education

Alliance and the University of Buffalo.

The GCEDC recently received a

$500,000 workforce development grant

through the Department of Labor. Those

dollars were paired up with a $200,000

WIRED grant that was awarded

to GCC to fund a summer training

program in which students and teachers

learned about the newest developments

in the life sciences, which is defined

as any science that helps improve the

human condition. While that is a

broad definition, the program focused

on developments in pharmaceuticals,

medical devices and biotechnology with

participants taking tours of places like

Gaymar Industries in Erie County and

Pyramid Prosthetics in Genesee County.

Teachers spent three weeks at the

University of Buffalo and may be eligible

to become certified to teach GCC’s

Intro to Biotechnology in area high

schools, while the students took classes

at GCC and received seven college

credit hours for their participation.

Keshequa Science teacher Mr.

Robert Schwegler participated in the

three week program for teachers at the

University of Buffalo.

As students and teachers head

back to school in the fall, the grant will

help produce classroom materials that

promote careers in the life sciences.

The material will include fun facts

about WNY like…

Did you know that

the country’s first cancer center is based in

Buffalo?

Or

The implantable pacemaker

was invented in North Tonawanda?”

To find out more about the life

sciences, log onto www.isciwny.com.

A small sampling of career paths in math

and science:

software design ~ aerospace

engineering ~ medical/scientific research ~

sound analysis and synthesis ~ statistician ~

surveying and mapping ~ pharmaceutical

manufacturing ~ insurance ~ securities

~ telecommunications ~ environmental

engineering/research ~ movie/television

industry ~ geologist ~ meteorologist ~

oceanographer ~ forestry engineering

~ agricultural engineering ~ chemist ~

zoologist ~ horticulturist/botanist ~ educator

~ toxicologist ~ nutritionist ~ geneticist ~

entomologist ~ robotics

---

6

Name:

Ryan Almeter

Home:

Bliss

Family:

Wife Sarah

and two kids Noah (3)

and Maggie (1).

Position:

I teach

math 9, Integrated

Algebra, and a math

survey class.

Graduate of:

SUNY Geneseo for

mathematics

Hobbies:

I enjoy traveling and sports

Prior to KCS:

I worked for Rochester

City Schools and Genesee Valley BOCES

Involvement with after-school

activities?

I am going to be the High

School Math Competition advisor.

Additional comments:

I did my

student teaching here with Jack Morgan

and I am very happy to be back in

Keshequa.

Meet the Fresh Faces at KCS

Name:

Kurt

Schneider

Position:

11th

grade social studies

and 12th grade

government

Graduate of:

SUNY

Brockport with

my B.A. in history

and received my masters from Roberts

Wesleyan in education.

Hobbies:

Golf, softball, watching movies

Prior to KCS:

I last worked in South

Florida (2007-08) at Pembroke Pines

Charter School and also at G.V. BOCES

(2007) in the Alternative Education Program

Additional Comments:

I am from

York, NY and extremely happy to be

back in the area and working at a small

community based school such as Keshequa.

Name:

Danielle

Merrill

Home:

Conesus

Family:

Two cats

(Tabby and Chloe)

Position:

Elementary School

Psychologist

Graduate of:

I completed my

undergraduate studies at SUNY Geneseo,

after transferring from Finger Lakes

Community College. My grad work was

through Alfred University, where I

completed two years of coursework and

a full-time, full school year internship. My

internship was completed at the Canisteo-

Greenwood CSD last year.

Hobbies:

I enjoy spending time outdoors

and reading in my spare time.

Name:

Nancy Cross

Home:

Castile

Family:

Two

daughters

Position:

Teaching

Assistant

Graduate of:

Letchworth Central

School District, Roberts Wesleyan College,

Alfred University

Prior to KCS:

Substitute teacher at

Letchworth Central School District

Hobbies:

Camping, playing the piano and

organ

Name:

Melanie

Bishop

Home:

Piffard

Family:

I am

married with two sons,

Conner and Zachery.

Position:

tenth

grade special

education teacher

Graduate of:

St. John Fisher College with

a master’s in adolescence education: social

studies and special education.

Hobbies:

I enjoy spending time with my

family hiking to various waterfalls,

fishing, swimming, and traveling.

Name:

Laurie Rodwell

Home:

Dalton

Family:

Husband Ted, son Teddy

Position:

Afternoon Cleaner

Graduate of:

Mount Morris

Prior to KCS:

Worked at SUNY Geneseo

Hobbies:

Working around the house and

garden

Name:

Loren Kersher

Home:

Dalton

Family:

Wife Nicole, son Greg

Position:

Night Cleaner

Graduate of:

Dansville

Prior to KCS:

Worked in manufacturing

Hobbies:

Tinkering

Name:

: Ashley Smith

Home:

Dansville

Position:

Spanish

teacher

Graduate of:

Genesee Community

College and Alfred

University. Studied

abroad in Mexico

Prior to KCS:

I taught for one year as

a maternity leave position in Honeoye.

Name:

Jessica Taft

Home:

Nunda. I

graduated from

Keshequa in 2003.

Position:

7th Grade

Social Studies

Graduate of:

SUNY Brockport,

studied history and

secondary education

Hobbies:

Quilting, crafts, reading

Additional Comments:

I had the

opportunity to study abroad in Ireland

at the National University of Ireland

Maynooth. It was an amazing experience

and I look forward to going back!

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7

Pictured back row left to right are Sarah Gray, Stephanie Kreuzer, Coach Blair, Mariah

Mahlendorf. Front row left to right is Melissa Preen, Ryann Gardner, Nicole Gross, Che-l

sea Beardsley, Courtney Curry and Emily Gibson.

Congratulations!

Keshequa graduate Anna Mucha was recently notified by the American

Red Cross that she is the recipient of a 2007-2008 High School Scholarship

Award in the amount of $300. Anna was nominated by KCS faculty based on

her participation in various American Red Cross programs. The award will help

Anna as she attends school at Genesee Community College.

Students Learn the

Fundamentals of

Kayaking

High School physical education

classes returned to the waters this year

with their kayaks in tow. After missing

out last year due to the shallowness

of Keshequa Creek, students had the

opportunity to learn the fundamentals of

this lifetime sport.

For several weeks groups of students

and seven kayaks were shuttled to Bailey

Road where the adventure began. On a

good day, students could travel in their

individual kayak to Cooperville Road.

“It’s relaxing, but it’s challenging,”

said physical education teacher Martha

Blair. “It’s a great lifetime sport.”

Blair, a certified lifeguard, spends

class time beforehand going over safety

rules. Students learn how to get in and

out of the kayak safely and what to

do if the kayak were to fill with water.

In kayaking it’s important to find the

deepest part of the water, so students

learn how to read the water current.

They also discuss causes and effects of

hypothermia.

Blair said kayaking is a very safe

sport. She believes a big misconception

is that a large amount of water is needed

while in actuality 8 to 10 inches are

sufcient. Along with the skills learned

in class, students are also equipped with

helmets and life jackets. It’s a sport that

students can enjoy into adulthood and

don’t have to travel far from home to

experience.

“The kids, they’re excited to go. It’s

right in their back yards,” said Blair.

Girls’ Soccer and

Volleyball Teams Beat

Out the Competition

The Girls’ Varsity Volleyball team traveled to Harley Allendale Columbia to

take part in an eight team tournament. Teams were divided into two pools, play-

ing two games against each team in their pool. Keshequa faced and defeated HAC,

Geneseo, and split with Marion. Their 5-1 record put them in the finals against the

other pool winner, Dansville. The championship match consisted of a best of three

format. The Keshequa girls went right to task, defeating Dansville easily in two

straight games. This is the first time in six years the girls have come home with first

place honors. Gaining individual awards for their outstanding play were Sarah Gray

(All-tournament team) and Stephanie Kreuzer (tournament MVP).

The Girls’ Varsity Soccer team hosted the Keshequa Tournament on September

11 and September 13 beating out Fillmore, Perry, and Cuba-Rushford to win top

honors. The team defeated Perry in the first game and Fillmore in the final game.

Catherine Mucha had a hat trick and was voted tournament MVP. The team is cur -

rently 7-2 for the season. Congratulations to both teams for their stellar play.

---

NONPROFIT

ORGANIZATION

US POSTAGE

PAID

PERMIT NO. 1

NUNDA NY 14517

Keshequa Central School

P.O. Box 517

Nunda, New York 14517-0517

October 2008

School Board Members

Anita Buchinger, President

Paul Jackson, Vice-President

Mark Ewing

John Gordinier

Lori Gray

Lyle Tallman

Barbara Waddle

Marilyn Capawan,

Superintendent

Dominic Aloisio,

Go Home Drill Friday, Oct. 10

Each year, school districts are required by Education Law to conduct an Early

Dismissal “Go Home Drill” to ensure that we are appropriately prepared to transport

all students to their homes, or other parent-designated area, should there be an emer -

gency. The drill requires that we not dismiss students any earlier than 15 minutes from

the normal dismissal time, and must account for all students during this time period.

On Friday, October 10, 2008, Keshequa Central will conduct this drill. As per our

policy, there will be no change of bus pass issued on this day or any other. In addition,

if you plan to pick your child up on this day to transport him or her home, we ask that

your child participate in the drill first. After attendance has been taken on each bus,

your child will be allowed to disembark and proceed home with you, provided proper

notification has been received. We ask that these requests be made only as necessary

in order to help minimize confusion during this drill. I’m sure you can understand the

need for us to practice our plan in the event we should ever have to put it in place.

Most students will arrive home at their usual time even though they will be

dismissed from their buildings fifteen (15) minutes early, as this time will be used to

take attendance and account for every student. However, there will be some students

who may arrive home earlier, particularly those who are dropped off before the buses

arrive at the Nunda building. Please be prepared to receive them so that our drill may

continue in a timely fashion.

There will be complete silence during this drill and it will be conducted in a for -

mal manner. Please talk about the importance of this drill with your child(ren), as their

safety and security are top priorities to all of us.

Thank you

for your support.

Should you have any

questions, please feel

free to call me at

468-2541 extension

1106, or contact the

appropriate Build-

ing Principal.

…looking

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for

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something

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it

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zen

meaningful in his/her life; and

…would like to experience the joy

and wonder of children?

Join other seniors who help

children learn at a nearby school.

Volunteer as a Foster Grandma or

Grandpa in this program just for

folks age 60+.

Earn tax-free income that

won’t affect Social Security, hous -

ing subsidies, H.E.A.P. benefits,

etc.

Approximately $40-$100 per

week stipend.

Minimum of 20 hours per

week (school year).

Some transportation reim -

bursement available.

Must be income-eligible.

Please call for more informa -

tion about the Foster Grandparent

Program. 585-243-7520

Program Director – Deb Gage

Important Dates in October

3........... Superintendent’s Conference Day – NO SCHOOL

9........... Board of Education Meeting at 7:00 p.m.

13 ......... Columbus Day – NO SCHOOL

22......... Dalton Open House 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

23......... MS/HS Open House 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

23......... Board of Education Meeting at 7:00 p.m.