may 2011 web - east auroraparticipate in ecic and sectional competitions, our cross country teams...

May 2011

Inside this issue...

Columns and news .......... 2, 6, 14-15

Top Ten Seniors .......................... 3

Annual highlights ...................... 4-5

Voter information and Proposed Budget ....... pages 7 - 9

Art Show and Technology Fair preview ........................ 10 - 13

Summer Community Education .................. page 14

Using light boxes in the new 5/6 Science Lab

at Middle School, Mrs.

Cashmore’s students

earned about the proper-

ties of light, with a lesson

about shadows and refl ec-

tion.

2 The Challenger may 2011

In an outstanding example of the many ways that the District’s PTOs enrich the educational program for all students, the Elementary PTO collaborated with the district to provide eight SMART Boards for Parkdale classrooms this year. Thanking the PTO for its gift, School Superintendent Brian Russ re-marked on the joint effort that produced the boards, projectors and audio

systems. “Teachers use the SMART systems to create interactive lessons which enhance the learning experiences of our students. Many thanks to the PTO for their continued hard work and support.” The touch screen whiteboards heighten stu-dent engagement in classroom lessons by com-bining the power of the teacher’s computer with a projected image of the lesson or activity. As the teacher presents the material, students can physi-cally interact with the lessons by moving letters, numbers, words and pictures with their fi ngers. The board also improves accessibility for students with special needs by enabling them to see, read and manipulate information more easily. Free, ready-to-use online educational resources make it easy to links to learning websites and a variety of multimedia resources to provide or augment curriculum. In a recent visit to Parkdale, Elementary PTO president Lori Gervasi and Superintendent Russ observed as Mrs. Buccieri’s students called up in-formation on the Pacifi c volcano ring of fi re while reading a story, and Mrs. Bell’s students (left)played math games in teams. Said Mrs. Gervasi, “It was so great to see the kids get so excited about playing a math game. They could get up

out of their seats, help each other out and play a game! I felt like getting in on it!” The district’s PTOs annually provide grants to fund events and activities that benefi t all students. The groups raise funds with membership drives at the beginning of each school year, and special fundraising efforts and events, like the annual Spring Fling.

Elementary PTO provides classroom technology to engage active learners

Superintendent’s ColumnBrian Russ

My fi rst few months as Acting Superintendent have been very rewarding. I am pleased to

have this opportunity to share with you some of the many accomplishments that have occurred throughout the District over the past nine months.

Although we faced serious fi nancial constraints this past year, we were able to maintain our commitment to excellence. Our District remains in good standing with the State and we continue to show very strong results on our state and Regents assessments. In addition to a top-notch core program, we offer numerous opportunities for our students to participate in electives in the areas of business, technology, art and music as well as a number of extracurricular activities. Our music department put on several impressive performances this year at all three schools, and a number of our students were selected to perform in county and state ensembles. Our two musicals, Cinderella and Seussical the Musical, were a great success and played to sold-out crowds. The Superintendent’s Art Collection continues to grow and the Art Show and Tech Fair feature the exemplary art work and technology proj-ects of students in grades 1-12. Our business department offers courses that prepare our students for college and the world of work and DECA had three students earn the right to compete at the national level.We continue to be very competitive in interscholastic sports at the modi-

fi ed, junior varsity and varsity levels. Our teams consistently qualify to participate in ECIC and sectional competitions, our Cross Country teams won state titles, and our boys swim team won their 42nd straight division championship. In addition to all of this, students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of clubs and organization such as Model UN, Builder’s Club, SADD, and Drama Club, just to name a few. Many of our students and staff members also participated in a variety of charitable fundraising events including Crossroads Springs, Bald for Bucks and Hockey for Hunger which raised over $5000 and collected more than 4000 food items for FISH and the Food Bank of WNY. Considering the fi nancial challenges we faced this past year, maintain-ing this level of quality has been challenging. Unfortunately, the situation for the 2011-12 school year has not improved. In preparing the budget we faced an even greater defi cit and the daunting task of closing a $1.8 million dollar budget gap. We had to make many diffi cult decisions related to personnel and programs while maintaining our commitment to providing our students with the best educational experience possible. I would like to thank our administrators, teachers, support staff, and Board of Education members for their hard work in producing a balanced budget. I would also like to thank our PTO, parents and community members for their past support of the District. As I look to the future, although we face challenging times, I am confi dent that by continuing to work together we can maintain our commitment to excellence. I encourage you to review the proposed budget and vote on May 17th.

may 2011 The Challenger 3

Class of 2011Top Ten Seniors

Mary ZittelThe road over the past four years has not been an easy one, although it was rewarding. I will be attending Canisius College in the fall to enter into their pre-med program. I am excited about this change of pace and the new opportunities that I will experience. Traveling to Africa and helping the Immaculate Heart Sisters of Africa is defi nitly the most memorable event I have from high school. I will miss the great teachers of EAHS.

Mia FerrainaWith the many opportunities East Aurora has provided, I am prepared to study Psychology at SUNY Geneseo with the intention of becoming a School Counselor. I have memories to last a lifetime from volleyball and rugby, as well musicals, chorus, and orchestra. I would like to thank Coach Battel for helping me become a well-rounded student-athlete. Most impor-tantly, thanks to Mom, Dad, and Tori for their continuous love and support.

Wesley Stubenbord At EAHS, I’ve enjoyed being a member of Model U.N., the Class of 2011 Executive Board, National Honor Society, and the Boy’s Tennis Team. I want to thank our teachers, administrators, and faculty for providing me with the opportunity to participate in a number of A.P. classes and the In-ternational Studies Program. In the fall, I will be attending New York Uni-versity Abu Dhabi, located in the U.A.E., with a major in political science.

Maren JohnsonI have learned over the past four years that the most important lessons cannot be taught within the classroom. In many cases, they cannot even be taught at all. I would like to thank my teachers for their endless guidance and support, especially Mr. Cummins and Mr. Kegler for the monumental impact they have both had on my life. I plan on attending Bennington College in the fall for Animation, writing, and literature.

Elizabeth Vail ValedictorianI have played both Varsity Soccer and Lacrosse, and was selected as Captain for these teams as a senior. I have been very active in many clubs throughout High School and have been in the past two school musi-cals. I would like to thank my family and teachers who have consistently helped me strive to be the best I can be. I will be attending Hobart and William Smith Colleges to study mathematics and economics.

Hannah Schuetz SalutatorianThis fall, I will be at Nazareth College studying music education and see-ing where it leads. I’m looking forward in anticipation and back with thanks for all the teachers I’ve had so far, for the ones who made us think and for my wonderful music teachers. Film Club was an adventure, the musicals were unforgettable, and I hope that our GSA will continue for years to come. Farewell, thank you and good luck!

Rachel HallnanI plan to attend Colorado School of Mines to major in Geological and Re-source Engineering. I am so grateful for the great education East Aurora provided me with, and the activities I have enjoyed and participated in, such as Field Hockey, Basketball and Lacrosse, and I hope to continue playing them during college on intermural teams. I would like to thank my parents for supporting me throughout high school and supporting me in everything; it meant the world to me.

Timothy Hollman I arrived in East Aurora in the summer of 2009, and my fi rst experience was with the cross country team. That sophomore year and those after have sought to equip me with the knowledge that I will take with me to the University of Rochester where I plan to study engineering or physics. My teachers have fostered within me the desire to want something more in oneself than what someone may provide: to seize the day.

Nichole MasonThank you to the teachers, coaches and friends that made high school worth every moment – inside and outside of the classroom. I was involved with Adventure Club, National Honor Society, and Executive Board on top of soccer, basketball, musical, and lacrosse. EAHS has helped me realize that I have a passion for learning and I will bring that to Houghton College in the Fall. I plan to play soccer and major in Art along with a minor in Sports Ministry.

Luke Wolfl ingSports have been the highlight of my whole high school experience. I’ve been a member of the cross-country, swimming, and track teams and made many friends through them. The technology department with Mr. Schmidt and Mr. Ellis has been important in leading me to pursue a degree in the fi eld of Engineering as I attend college this fall. Thank you to all my teachers and peers who have helped me excel inside and outside school.


2010 - 11 Highlights and STARS

The 2010 inductees to the Roycroft Chapter of the National Honor Society included Brendan Caputi, Michael DeSantis, Kathryn Eber-sole, Mia Ferraina, Rachel Hallnan, Daniel Hayes, Emma Holbrook, Molly Jones, Nicole Mason, Margaret Naughton, Heather Scheer, Wesley Stubenbord, Brianne Szopinski, John Werbitsky, Amanda Westfall and Luke Wolfl ing.

The East Aurora Boys and Girls Cross Country Teams brought home the gold by winning the New York State Championships in November 13 in Pawling, NY. Girl runners included Marta McLaughlin, Megan Hulton, Sarah Anstett, Sarah Mars, Paige Anderson, Amanda Westfall, and Megan Baritot. This was the East Aurora’s girls’ 6th consecutive Class B Title. The champion boys included Sean Phillips, Kevin O’Connor, Gene Baritot, Brendan Keany, Alex Weberg, Elliott Mar-tynkiewicz, and Larkin Bohanan. Coaches are Marty and Walter McLaughlin.

Congratulations to the EAHS Boys Bombers swimmers, who won their 42nd division championship on February 19 at Clarence High School. Led by captains Ean Tierney and Mike DeSantis, the team had a perfect 12-0 record this year. The Bombers also won their ninth straight Small School ECIC championship, scoring 442 points to win the meet by 77 points over Starpoint. Congratulations to the Bombers and coaches Gipe, Derr, Oubre and Gonzalez.

Congratulations to all the participants in the 2011 Middle School Tal-

ent Show. The winners, shown above with (left to right), MCs Ellen

Horbachewski and Erin Nason, are Kiera Shanahan (3rd place - group

gymnastics), Holly Tapani (2nd place - Enya’s Orinoco Flow on piano),

Colette Anikwue (3rd place - group gymnastics), Anthony Potenza (1st

place - Metallica’s Hit the Lights on guitar, Molly Tent (3rd place - group

gymnastics), Milo Duhn (Grand Prize - performing The Price is Right,

original composition), and Ana Wienclawski (Terhune/Ambrose Award -

singing Taylor Swift’s Speak Now).

This group and other Middle School musicians performed for the an-

nual Seniors in our School Day in March.

EA captures four top prizes in NYCThe East Aurora High School Select Chorus and Orchestra partici-pated in the Festivals of Music Competition in the New York City re-gion in April and brought home four top awards. Congratulations to:• the East Aurora High School Orchestra, which won fi rst place in

the string orchestra competition,• the Select Choir, which won fi rst place in the mixed choir

division, and won an additional trophy for having the highest evaluation score of any chorus that weekend (mixed, womens and show choir),

• the entire contingent from the high school, which won the big-gest honor of the weekend, called the “Esprit De Corps Award,” for “exemplary attitude of positive support and outstanding per-sonal behavior.” This coveted prize commends the performance of students throughout the festival weekend as they demon-strate their highest level of responsible behavior. Personal integrity, quality character values, a desire for excellence, and a spirit of cooperation serve as the cornerstone qualities of the Esprit de Corps Award.

Congratulations also to teachers Alissa Nanna (orchestra) and Paul Blackwell (chorus)!

(Student names are not used with photographs in web

versions of the Challenger.)






Congratulations to EAHS junior Benjamin Stortz on his selection to the All-Eastern Honors Chorus, held at the MENC (Music Educators National Conference) Eastern Division conference in Baltimore from March 31 - April 3. Benjamin is the fi rst student from East Aurora to be selected for one of the Eastern Division ensembles in 12 years. This conference is held once every two years, and the students are selected from 11 states, stretching from Maine to Maryland. Ben, along with senior Faith Robinson, was also selected to participate in the All-State Mixed Chorus in Rochester in November. Congratulations also to Chorus teacher Mr. Blackwell.

2010 - 11 Highlights and STARS

On Wednesday, March 16, East Aurora students participated in the National Latin Exam sponsored by the American Classical League. Over 150,000 students from across the nation and 12 foreign countries participated this year in this competitive exam. The following students were honored for their high achievement on the exam: Jamison Mercurio, Jon Javor, and Zachary Warning won Achievement Certifi cates for the Introduction to Latin exam. In Latin I, Fiona Nocera won a Magna Cum Laude Certifi cate, and Jagger Jaworski, Zachary Felder and Alex Rabey won Cum Laude Certifi cates. In Latin II, Hanna Piciullo, Carlin Sullivan, Carl Davidson, and Grace Anderson won Magna Cum Laude Certifi cates, and Grant Haffenden won a Cum Laude Certifi cate. In Latin III, Daniel Leman won a Maxima Cum Laude Certifi cate with a Silver Medal, Chase Szafnicki and Edward Crow won Magna Cum Laude Certifi cates, and Paige Ronan and Quinn Aiken won Cum Laude Certifi cates.

The Second Annual Faculty/Alumni Floor Hockey Tournament between Parkdale, Middle School, the High School and EAHS Alumni took place Friday, April 1 at the High School gymnasium, sponsored by the EAHS Freshmen Class and Student Government. 600+ tickets were sold for the event that netted a total of $5340 for local food pantry FISH, and about 4000 items of non-perishable food for the Food Bank of WNY. Special fundraising efforts in the total include $486, raised by the Middle School Spirit Club, and $775, raised by Middle School DECA. In the photo at left are (front row, left to right) Brandon Hudson, Sydnie O’Connell, Meggan DiPietro, (back row) faculty advisor Alathia Yuhnke (left to right), Nick Baase, Sue Cox and Judy Lamb from FISH, Frankie Nigro and Steven Smith. In the photo at right is Middle School Spirit Club advisor Anthony Ambrose and club members Teya Lucyshyn and Megan O’Donnell, Sue Cox and Judy Lamb from FISH, and DECA members Reagan Kinsella, Anthony Potenza and Jack Croft with advisor Kevin Kot.

Congratulations to the winners of the fi fth grade Spelling Bee: Emily Lewandowski (second place), Matthew Morgan (third place) and Matthew Lucyshyn (fi rst place).

Congratulations to sixth grader Ben Bachman, EAMS Geography Bee winner. Ben qualifi ed for the NYS competition which was held on Friday, April 1 at the New York State Museum in Albany, NY. In the preliminary round, Ben answered 7 of 8 questions correctly but did not qualify for the fi nal round.



(Student names are not used with

photographs in web


(Student names are not used with

photographs in web


NYS School District Report Cards for 2009-10


Dr. R. Brad Gibson Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction & Personnel

Note: New York State assessments are given at grade levels 3 - 8. Key to the 3-8 Performance Level Descriptors:

Level 1: Not Meeting Learning Standards. Student performance does not demonstrate an understanding of the content expected in the subject and grade level.Level 2: Partially Meeting Learning Standards. Student performance demonstrates a partial understanding of the content expected in the subject and grade level.Level 3: Meeting Learning Standards. Student performance demonstrates an understanding of the content expected in the subject and grade level. Level 4: Meeting Learning Standards with Distinction. Student performance demonstrates a thorough understanding of the content expected in the subject and grade level.

High School exams (9-12) are either local or Regents.

Mr. D’Avanzato’s Life Skills students teamed up with EAHS foreign language students in March as they produced buttons in German, Spanish, French and Latin. Language students wore the buttons in observance of Foreign Language Week. Other activities that week at the High School included a poster contest and a mural contest. The week ended with the Eurodance sponsored by the AFS club and featuring music in languages other than English selected by the High School’s current foreign exchange students. At Middle School, students placed foreign language labels on ob-jects and locations throughout the school. Mrs. Pastrick’s students, assisted by Mrs. Cichocki, also made a personal French-speaking avatar with Voki.com, recording a biographical sketch in French using proper grammar and verb tenses.

Foreign Language Week observed at EAHS and Middle School

The most recent District Report Card for East Aurora Schools from NYS (2009-2010) shows comprehensive data relevant to our learning

environment. This data indicates our yearly progress along with informa-tion about the district’s performance on State assessments in English, mathematics, science and graduation rate. East Aurora’s overall accountability status is “District in Good Stand-ing” in all categories, with students achieving “Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP)” in each level and area. Once again we are very proud of our students’ progress as refl ected on the various state assessments. In comparison with previous years, you will fi nd our Grade 3-8 assessment results lower based upon the adjusted scoring imposed by the New York Education Department. As you are aware, New York State is in the progress of raising educational standards across the state in order to better prepare students for college and the workplace. The changes in profi ciency levels along with new assessments are all part of a set of initiatives in New York State that are intended to raise the achievement bar. All school districts must redouble their efforts to ensure that students are poised for success in high school, college and in career pursuits. As in the past the School Report Card will be analyzed in order to align our instructional practices to best match the needs of our students. We are appreciative of all the hard work and effort that goes into our collective focus on improving students’ achievement. The entire report can be found at the internet address indicated in the box at the bottom of the next column, accompanied by a key to the scor-ing. The most recent District Report Card shows comprehensive data rel-evant to our students’ yearly assessment results in many areas. Let’s take a closer look at some of the highlights.

ParkdaleColleen Klimchuck, Principal

Grade 3 English/Language Arts• 70% of our students reached profi ciency• 42% of our students scored in the Level 3 range• 28% of our students scored in the Level 4 range


Grade 3 Math• 60% of our students reached profi ciency • 34% of our students scored in the Level 3 range• 26% of our students scored in the Level 4 range

Grade 4 Math• 88% of our students reached profi ciency • 48% of our students scored in the Level 3 range• 40% of our students scored in the Level 4 range

Grade 4 Science• 99% of our students reached profi ciency• 18% of our students scored in the Level 3 range• 81% of our students scored in the Level 4 range (continued on page

Find the 2009-10 Accountability, Overview, and Comprehensive Information Report at:

www.nystart.gov/publicweb/District.do?county=ERIE&district=140301030000&year=2010

(continued on page 13)

Board NotesDaniel Brunson, President


The proposed district budget for 2011-2012 reduces spending and closes a $1.8 mil-

lion gap resulting primarily from cuts in state aid and increased costs for pensions and other employee obligations. For the second consecutive year, the bottom line for budget expenditures is slightly less than it was in the previous year. The daunting task of closing the budget

gap and presenting a balanced budget for voter approval was accom-plished through a combination of reducing spending, making judicious use of reserves and proposing a 3.4% increase in the tax levy. This combination of initiatives preserves most student programs while positioning the district to live within its means. There are, however, consequences to fi nding $1.8 million. About a million dollars was achieved through employee cuts, reducing district staff by approximately 5%. Almost half a million dollars is needed from a tax levy increase at a time when the state is holding the line on tax increases and passing its defi cit along for local school districts to resolve. This proposed budget is balanced and was approved unanimously by the Board of Education. However, this method of resolving the state’s fi scal diffi culties can not continue year after year. Business First ranks East Aurora third among almost one hundred school districts in western New York. If we are to preserve the quality of our highly respected and successful programs, expenditures must be controlled and revenues stabilized without reducing opportunities for students. This must be a priority for the Board of Education and for the state of New York in the coming years. The district will continue to look for more creative and effi cient ways to deliver instruction and to manage resources. As contracts are negotiated, controlling costs for salaries and fringe benefi ts will be a priority. For the state’s part, our elected representatives need to reduce mandates that place unreasonable fi nancial burdens on local districts. Our state leaders must also create a stream of state aid that is stable, predictable and affordable for the taxpayers. I am confi dent that that the East Aurora schools will continue its tradition of excellence as we address the fi nancial challenges ahead and urge each of you to review the proposed budget for 2011-2012 and vote on May 17th.

VOTETuesday, May 17, 2011

Middle School Cafeteria430 Main Street, East Aurora

7:00 AM - 9:00 PMProposition No. 1: Budget

Shall the budget for the East Aurora Union Free School District for the fi scal year commencing July 1, 2011 and ending June 30, 2012, as presented by the Board of Education, in the amount of $27,874,049 be hereby approved and adopted, and the required funds be hereby appropriated, and the required real property taxes be levied on the taxable property in said District to be collected as required by law?

Board Of Education Member Election Vote for no more than two (2), including any write-in candi-dates: James W. Whitcomb, Judith A. Malys, Jessica B. Armbrust, Nicole Morris-McLaughlin, Stephen Zagrobelny, Daniel Brunson. A full budget document is available for view at any school offi ce or the District offi ce at 430 Main Street, East Aurora.

Voter Eligibility According to education law, to be qualifi ed to vote in the May 17, 2011 election, you must be: • at least 18 years of age; • a legal resident of the school district for 30 days prior to the vote;

• Building and Department budgets for 2011-2012 frozen at the same or reduced level as in 2009-2010.• Bond Anticipation Note (BAN) issued rather than bonding for the District Facilities Construction Project (net

savings of $559,400).• Reduction of positions: Include teaching, administrative and support staff positions.• Restructuring of programs: (i.e., Art Department, special education, sports, and BOCES services).• Retirement incentive for teaching and non-teaching personnel.• Suggestions gathered from East Aurora faculty and staff.• Establish Healthcare Advisory Committee and joined Healthcare Alliance to minimize health insurance

increases.• Utilized reserve to minimize property tax impact.

2011-02012 Budget Strategies

Factors in the development of the 2011-12

EAUFSD Budget:

1

2

3

District Goals & Objectives

1. Provide programs and ac-tivities which engage students in opportunities to develop and expand their skills in criti-cal thinking, problem-solving, global awareness, communi-cations and collaboration.

2. Maintain and enhance responsive two-way commu-nication with all stakeholders in the school community for the purpose of building upon District success.

3. Provide professional growth opportunities for all faculty and staff for the purpose of developing and expanding skills to improve student learn-ing, achievement and well being.

District Mission Statement

The East Aurora School District will provide environments, experi-ences, materials and professional talents to help each student prepare to live in society as a contributing, self-fulfi lling and car-ing citizen. The school will endeavor to de-velop, in each student, a lifelong desire for knowledge and the skills to acquire it. The school will promote learning in the context of common sense, hope for a better future and a deep respect for humanity.


Budget Challenges

• Substantial State Aid cuts

• Increasing contractual obligations


Component Budget

$27,874,049

The administrative component, includes offi ce and central ad-ministrative expenses, traveling expenses, salaries and benefi ts of all certifi ed school administrators and supervisors who spend a majority of their time performing administrative or supervisory duties, all expenditures associated with the operation of the school board, the superintendent, general administration, the school business offi ce, any consulting costs not directly related to student services and program planning, and all other ad-ministrative activities.

The capital component, includes all transportation capital, debt service, and lease expenditures; costs resulting from court judgments, administrative orders or settled or compromised claims; and all facilities costs of the District, including facility lease expenditures, annual debt service and total debt for all facilities fi nanced by bonds and notes of the district, and costs of construction, acquisi-tion, reconstruction, rehabilitation or improvement of school buildings, provided that the budget includes a rental, operations and maintenance section that includes base rent costs, total rent costs, operation and maintenance charges, cost per square foot for each facility leased by the District, and all expenditures associated with custodial salaries and benefi ts, service contracts, supplies,

Tloffittica

Program $ 19,713,068

The program component, includes all program expenditures, including the salaries and benefi ts of teachers and any school administrators or supervi-sors who spend a majority of their time performing teaching duties, and all transportation operating expenses.

Capital $ 5,349,870

Administrative $ 2,811,111


Please join us for the opening reception of the 2011 East Aurora School District Art Show and Tech Fair, a wonderful showcase of the creative endeavors of the stu-dents from 1st through 12th grade. We look forward to seeing you there!

Many of the works featured in the Art Show and Tech Fair are used in the production of the annual EAUFSD Calendar and Information, mailed to school families in early August. If you are a resident of the district without children in school, but would like to reserve a copy, you may do so by calling 687-2311 after June 1.

technology

Technology courses begin with Mrs. Dutton in Middle School, and encompass the principles of physics, engineering and computer technology, illustrated by projects like (below) the Junior Solar Sprint Challenge in which student teams research and construct solar powered vehicles. In High

School, technology student go in several directions, some blending technolological skills with the type of artistry and craftmanship needed to produce beautiful wood canoe paddles (above, just a few of the many that will be on dis-play at the Art Show and Tech Fair. (continued next page)


art

Other technology courses teach 3D construction, basic CAD and engineered drawing, like junior Sam Zagrobelny’s trum-pet image created in Mr. Ellis’ CAD course. High School technology courses include Mr. Schmidt’s courses: Production Systems, Electricity and Electronics, Digital Electronics, Transportation Systems, Energy Systems, Architecture, Graphic Communications, and Design Draw-ing For Production. In addition to CAD I and II, Mr. Ellis teaches Design Draw-

ing for Production and Principles of Engineering. East Aurora’s technology program teaches problem-solv-ing, creativity, communication, and tool/machine usage, and concepts essential to engineering, manufacturing, drafting and design, architecture and production.

Mrs. White, Parkdale Elementary Classes at Parkdale have been busy working on a variety of artistic creations. Third graders were encouraged to develop their drawing and painting skills, along with their imaginations. Students learned about artist Pablo Picasso and his strange looking “Cubism” portraits. We really had fun creating our colorful and unique portraits!

Fourth grade completed a unit based on American artist and conserva-tionist, John James Audubon (1785-1851). They focused on drawing from observation and did an amazing job capturing a likeness of their birds.

Mrs. Cotton, Parkdale ElementaryWe created cupcakes, donuts and cherries out of clay after a study of artist Wayne Thiebaud, well-known for his dessert paintings. We used acrylic paint mixed as chocolate, vanilla and strawberry for our clay pieces, then sprinkled these with tiny beads. The cherries were so much fun to make from tiny balls of clay with red craft wire for the stem, which were then dipped them into red acrylic. This was Pop-Art that looked good enough to eat! We also studied Wassily Kandinsky, and fi rst graders like Ryan Courtney enjoyed painting concentric circles. The next picture is third grader Matthew Grober learning the Chinese art form of cobweb cutting. We make precision cuts in paper and as we unfold it, the paper grows. We are reading the story “ A carp for Kimiko” in which carp kites are fl own on children’s day, so we are turning our web-cuttings into big colorful fi sh.

Maeve FosterMatt Izzo


Mr. VanOstrand, High SchoolIn Jewelry Design students use a variety of fabrication and casting tech-niques to express their artistic ideas in metal. Jewelry produced is primar-ily made of copper, brass, and nickel. Students may choose to have their wax ring models cast into silver by a professional caster on their own. Photo 1 students learn traditional black and white darkroom photogra-phy and digital photography. In ceramics, students explore the medium of clay. Thrown pots and other vessel forms lay a foundation of skills and sculptural projects allow for tremedous artistic expression. One project involves the morphing of two animal forms into one sculpture.

Mr. Kegler, High School In Drawing, students develop observational skills through a number of “drawing what you see” exercises. The students experimented in a variety of media including pencil, charcoal, conte, and ink to produce some im-pressive still life and portrait drawings Painting I students develop basic skills in brush handling, value control, and color mixing using acrylic paints. After a series of exercises, they completed paintings of still life, landscape, and fi gures. In Painting 2, students continue their painting abilities with the challeng-ing medium of oil paint. The course will culminate in an Independent Study project to showcase their skills. International Studies Component (year 1 and 2) is designed to comple-ment the other International components by dovetailing projects in con-junction with the other units of study including Social Studies, English, and Japanese. A variety of projects, mediums, and subjects are explored in the context of history and cultural views. One of our most popular courses is the Video class. Students brain-storm ideas, write script, storyboard, fi lm, edit, write narrative, create soundtracks, edit footage, and cut fi nal videos. Students just fi nished a Silent Film and are now working on Documentaries, and the course will culminate in an independent study.

Mr. Walleshauser, Middle SchoolFor thousands of years, artists have made beautiful objects out of metal. Metal relief sculptures can be created from many materials, such as copper, aluminum, and metal foils. These materials can be molded and incised. Artists and craftsmen have used hammers to pound designs into the fl at surface of metal to form relief sculpture. This method of working with metal is called embossing or repousse.

The seventh grade art students created their own embossed images using copper foil and embossing tools and techniques.

Alice GarlowDennis Landahl

Marissa Marfurt

Kelsey Gramza

Jenna Smith

Alaina Mitchell

Joe GasieckiMark Mandych

Madelyn Punnett

Maren Johnson editing video

Madelyn Mahoney

Nora Frank

13)

Middle SchoolMark Mambretti, Principal

Grade 5 English/Language Arts• 71% of our students reached profi ciency• 52% of our students scored in the Level 3 range • 19% of our students scored in the Level 4 range

Grade 6 English/Language Arts• 73% of our students reached profi ciency • 68% of our students scored in the Level 3 range • 5% of these students scored in the Level 4 range


Grade 8 English/Language Arts • 76% of our students reached profi ciency

• 60% of our students scored in the Level 3 range• 16% of our students scored in the Level 4 range

Grade 5 Math• 77% of our students reached profi ciency• 50% of our students scored in the Level 3 range• 27% of our students scored in the Level 4 range

Grade 6 Math • 80% of our students reached profi ciency

• 56% of our students scored in the Level 3 range• 24% of our students scored in the Level 4 range

Grade 7 Math• 78 % of our students reached profi ciency• 51% of our students scored in the Level 3 range • 27% of our students scored in the Level 4 range

Grade 8 Math• 73 % of our students reached profi ciency• 52% of our students scored in the Level 3 range• 21% of our students scored in the Level 4 range

Advanced Courses• Middle School students continue to excel in Advanced Regents courses (i.e., Earth Science and Integrated Algebra).

East Aurora High SchoolDr. James Hoagland, Principal

• 96% of the Class of 2010 graduated with a Regents Diploma with 68% earning the Advanced Designation diploma.

• 91% of the Class of 2010 planned to continue their education at a 4-year or 2-year college/university.

• EAHS students exceeded previous mastery (85 or higher) rates on Regents exams in English, US History, Integrated Algebra, Living Environment, Chemistry, and Physics,

• EAHS students far exceeded New York State’s accountability require-ment (Annual Yearly Progress) in the three designated secondary areas (English, mathematics, and graduation rate).


School report card, continued from page 6Mrs. White, High School

Studio Art 1 is designed to provide a wide variety of art experiences to students of all skill levels. Instruction is centered around the context of art history, art criticism, and art production. The sample of artwork is from a printing unit. The assignment was to create a non-objective printed collage from individual, exploratory prints. Students focused on line as a main element for the series.

Mrs. Buttino, High SchoolAs a community benefi t project, Mrs. Buttino’s students made ceramic slab bowls for donation to the Empty Bowls Event at Buffalo State on May 22 from 11 AM - 2 PM. The bowls will be sold at the silent auction, with proceeds benefi ting Friends of the Night and The Food Bank of Western New York. To create the slab bowls, students made slabs, cut down the clay, and then used a mold to create the fi nal forms.

Dan Brown

Mia Zanoni

Emma Morgan

Kari Ruhl

East Aurora Continuing/Community Education

The brightest minds are still learningFor summer courses:1. @ www.eastauroraschools.org/adulteducation -

complete course details, with easy online registra-tion and payment.

2. Or call 687-2311 (after May 15) for your summer program and registration by mail


Classes June - September!

Driver Education for NYS - formerly known as the “blue card” program.

Fitness and Fun:• Step Aerobics/Circuit: Offered several times each week--

one hour of fun includes a warm-up, stretch, cardio workout, strength training, “abs” workout and stretching cool-down.

• Stronger Bodies, Stronger Bones: Build bones, tone and sculp-ture muscle, improve range of motion and increase metabo-lism, which in turn burns twice as many calories!

• Aquacise Use water exercise to improve your level of fi tness and fl exibility, manage your weight and relieve stress.

• Yoga, increase your fl exibility, relieve stress, and tone with three day/time sessions each week to choose among.

• Zumba, a fun-fi lled salsa aerobic workout

Attention Senior Citizens:If you are 62 or older and a resident of the East Aurora School District, you are eligible to take several of our local adult education courses at half price (excludes courses whose fees note “no discounts apply”)! The Board of Education recognizes the contributions of our taxpayers throughout the years. We can’t repay you, but this is one way we can say “thank you” for your years of support. You also are eligible to apply for a Gold Card, which entitles you to free admission to all regular season home games, and the afternoon performance of the High School musical (you must call to reserve musical seats). Call 687-2311 for details. We want you to know that your efforts to support quality education in East Aurora are appreciated! AND online courses, as always:

www.ed2go.com/eastaurora

Upcoming: Around the District

May 16 No School - Superintendent’s Conference Day

May 17 Annual Budget Vote & Board of Education Elec- tion - 7:00 AM - 9:00 - PM - MS Cafeteria

May 18 Middle School Orchestra & Chorus Spring Con- cert - 7:00 PM - HS Auditorium

May 23 No School - Superintendent’s Conference Day

May 25 High School Spring Concert - 7:00 PM May 26 District Art Show & Tech Fair - 6:00 PM – High School

May 31 Middle School Band Concert - 7:00 PM - HS Auditorium

June 1 National Honor Society Induction & Awards Ceremony - 7:30 PM – HS Auditorium

June 2 Kindergarten Concert - 9:30 AM and 1:30 PM at Parkdale Auditorium June 8 Board of Education Meeting - 7:00 PM - MS Library

June 9 Fourth Grade Spring Concert - 9:45 AM - PD Auditorium and 7:00 PM - HS Auditorium

June 10 Eighth Grade Banquet, Joseph’s in Depew

June 13/14 High School Local Exam Days

June 16 All day event 2011-12 Kindergarten Screening

June 15/23 Regents Exams

June 20/23 Middle School Exam Week

June 23 Parkdale Send Off to Summer - 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

June 26 125th Annual EAHS Graduation Ceremony

Parkdale Friendship Celebration Thursday, May 26, 6 - 8 PM

The culminating event in the 2010-11 Gowanda High School’s Seneca Language/Parkdale cultural partnership.

All school families are invited to attend the evening fi lled with Native crafts, storytelling, traditional food and dance.


NOTIFICATION OF PESTICIDE USE(April 2011) The East Aurora Union Free School District has adopted IntegratedPest Management (IPM) as an effective and environmentally sensitiveapproach to pest management. IPM utilizes common sense practices to controlpests by taking advantage of various pest management options including thejudicious use of pesticides.

These applications may take place during the up coming school year:

PESTICIDE USED & EPA REGISTRATION NUMBERTempo 1% Dust – EPA # 432 1373Advion Ant Gel – EPA # 352 746Gentrol Aerosol – EPA # 2724 484Advion Ant Bait – EPA # 352 664D Force – EPA #6444 217EcoExept ICECOAnjuvant SpreaderSpeckoz Bifentrhin – EPA # 279 3206 72113Maxforce FC – EPA # 64248 21

If you have any questions about the Integrated Pest Management Program orpesticide use at the East Aurora Union Free School District, contact DouglasWicks, Head Custodian at 687 2314.

School districts must keep a list of individuals wishing to be notified at least48 hours in advance of pesticides used within the facilities in which they workor have a child attending classes. If you wish to have your name placed on the48 hour pesticide use notification list, applications can be found on our websiteat www.eastauroraschools.org under District and then Information or call 6872305 and an application can be mailed out to you.

Initial Annual Pesticide Use Notifications will now be available inour District Calendar.48 Hour Prior Notification will be provided to those requesting48 hour notification.Interim (Summary) Notifications will be sent out at the end ofeach school year.

NOTE: The list will be valid for the current academic school year. Only one (1)submission is required for the period July 1 – June 30. E [email protected]

Yearly Notification of Asbestos Inspection(May 2011) The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) requiresschool districts to inform school employees, building occupants, or their legalguardians about asbestos inspections, response actions, and post responseaction activities, including triennial re inspections and visual surveillanceactivities annually. Notifications and warnings are to inform employees,building occupants or others with the potential to come in contact withbuilding Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM). The notification and warningprogram is mandatory.

At least once every 6 months each local education agency shall conductperiodic surveillance in each building that it leases, owns, or otherwise uses asa school building that contains ACBM or is assumed to contain ACBM. At leastonce every 3 years each local education agency shall conduct a re inspection ofall friable and non friable known or assumed ACBM in each school building thatthey lease, own or otherwise use as a school building.

The first initial inspection at the East Aurora Union Free School District wasperformed on October 12, 1988. Since that time, the East Aurora Union FreeSchool District has been in compliance and has had 6 month inspections andtriennial inspections performed as per OSHA standards by Stohl Environmental,LLC.

In November 2010, the District had undergone the 6 month ADHERASurveillance Inspection. The district has also completed the 2010 TriennialAHERA Re Inspection which was performed on February 1 and February 2,2010. At that time NO bulk samples were collected at any of the buildings. Thenext 6 months ADHERA Surveillance Inspection will be performed in May 2011.

The Asbestos Management Plan is available for review in the Buildings andGrounds Office. To set up an appointment call 687 2305.

DISTRICT NOTICES

Have you missed The Challenger?

With the start of website news publica on in 2009, our district

saved thousands of dollars and furthered its commitment to saving

paper and other resources whenever possible.

Future issues will be published online in September, January and

March, with only the May issue mailed to district residents with

details of the Proposed Budget, which New York State mandates ar-

rival by mail to district taxpayers.

At this me, we intend to con nue online publica on on the same

schedule. Residents may receive an e-mail announcing the online

issues as they are published (requests to kward@eastaurora-

schools.org), or may register for news alerts, including new publica-

ons, at www.eastauroraschools.org/alerts.

District residents without internet access, or for those who simply

prefer to have The Challenger Online mailed to them in a printed

form as it is published throughout the year, may call 687-2402 and

request that service with their contact informa on.

It’s easy to keep abreast of district news.

Our website is your source for comprehensive and up-to-the-min-

ute school informa on: calendars, news, weather, menus, teacher

pages, athle cs, emergency informa on, Community Educa on,

community links, archived publica ons, school district policies,

employment, transporta on, and other services. Each school --

High School, Middle School, and Parkdale Elementary -- has its own

subsite linked to the District website.

We urge families to make our site their homepage, and sugges ons

to improve our website to serve you be er are welcome!

www.eastauroraschools.org

www.eastauroraschools.org

Board of Education

http://www.eastauroraschools.org

School Board meetings are generally held the second and/or fourth

Wednesdays of the month at Middle School, 430 Main Street, East Aurora, at 7:00 PM. You are encouraged to verify this information by calling 687-2302.

Brian Russ Acting Superintendent of Schools

[email protected] Ward

Community Relations/[email protected]

430 Main StreetEast Aurora, NY 14052

716/687-2300

PRSRT STDNONPROFIT ORG.

U.S. POSTAGE PAIDEAST AURORA, NY

PERMIT NO. 28

ECRWSSPOSTAL CUSTOMER

Daniel Brunson, PresidentKathyann Lorka, Vice-President

MaryBeth CovertS. Dennis Holbrook

Eric SweetJames Whitcomb

Stephen Zagrobelny

East Aurora schools 2010 - 2011

may 2011 web - east auroraparticipate in ecic and sectional competitions, our cross country teams...

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