NewsletterA community where learners excel! Vol. VIII, No. 8April 2008

Board of Education: Don Edwards, President; Gail Wrighter, Vice President; Don Faith; Jack Sines; Donald Vredenburgh. Superintendent of Schools: Robert Bundy. Assistant Superintendent of Schools: Carol Denz

Jumping rope, shooting hoops, running through an

obstacle course….sounds like fun, and for students from both Kenyon and Harshaw elementary schools it was more than just fun…it was heart healthy.

Th ese students jumped into healthy heart month with their annual “Heart Smart Obstacle Course” and “Jump Rope for Heart” stations. As part of the physical education curriculum, students learn about their heart and how to take care of it. Th e Heart Smart Obstacle Course is designed to mirror

the heart. Th e students play the role of the blood fl owing in and out of the heart. Along the way, they must ride carts,

crawl, and jump over valves, chambers, arteries and veins to get oxygen from the lungs and then take that oxygenated blood to the brain and other body parts.

Physical Education teacher Jarod McMullen explained, “I think the kids appreciate just how hard our heart works when they fi nish this double-sided obstacle course.”

On February 29, Kenyon students wore red t-shirts to represent a healthy heart. A special thank you to Mrs. Rowland’s class for helping to form the healthy heart in the photo at left.

Th e “Jump Rope for Heart” consists of a series of six

See “Heart”, page 7.

I started in education in 1975 and this is the fi rst time that I can recall when all of our built-in snow days, fi ve, have been used. What does this mean to you, the parent?

If you take a look at the 2007-08 school calendar, you will fi nd down near the bottom right a box entitled “Priority of Make-up Days,” where the dates April 18, 17, 16 and 15 are listed. If the district is closed for an additional day due to inclement weather or an emergency closing, school will be in session on April 18, 2008, the district’s fi rst priority make-up date.

Snow days are exhausted. What does that mean?I am fully aware that many of you have made plans to travel out of town during this recess period, which is understandable. For those of you that will be in town, school will be in session on Friday, April 18, 2008 IF, AND ONLY IF, THE DISTRICT IS REQUIRED TO CLOSE FOR AN ADDITIONAL DAY.

If we are required to close for two additional days, school will be in session on April 18 and April 17, 2008. If we need to close for three days, school will be in session on April 18, 17, and 16, 2008. If we need to close for four days, school will be

See “Snow”, page 3.

Having a healthy heart

April 20082

As we continue to develop our Web site, we hope that you fi nd this information useful and informative. Th is month we will highlight

athletics and transportation.

Athletics:Th e athletics page of our Web site is broken into calendar, fall, winter and spring sports on the top navigation. Th e side navigation includes the following:

Department Information - personnel, phone and address information.

Questions and Answers - frequently asked questions about upcoming changes.

Useful Links - links to internet broadcasts and Web sites of local high school sports.

What’s New - Forks athletes in the news.

Contact Athletics Director - E-mail our athletics director.

District Home - links to the district page.

Directions - driving directions and maps to our schools.

Weight Room - hours and fees for our weight room.

Mission Statement - CF athletics mission statement.

Th e athletic calendar is populated with all sports schedules. A parent can fi lter the calendar for specifi c team events and print or export the calendar. Each sport has a calendar of sporting events on its own site. As we progress through the next year, team Web pages will include scores, pictures and much more.

Transportation:Our Transportation department has been busy fi lling its site with information for parent and student use.

Transportation - directions and maps to our schools.

School Bus Rules -bus safety rules of Birnie Bus.

School Closings - types of school closings.

Bus Notes and Bus Passes - requirements of bus notes.

Transportation Employment - application for employment.

How Do We Qualify Drivers? - driver requirements.

Route Information

Who Is Birnie Bus Corporation?

Contact Transportation - contact our transportation director by phone or e-mail. -Cheri Panko, education communications specialist

Welcome to cforks.org!DistrictDistrict

3April 2008 District/HarshawDistrict/Harshaw

The Chenango Forks Audit Committee is looking for interested community members to join the committee. Th e committee meets evenings three to

four times per year. Th e role of the committee is to provide the Board of Education with recommendations regarding the internal and external audit functions for the school. If you are interested in volunteering for the committee or would like more information about the functions of the group, please feel free to contact Business Executive Kathy Blackman at 648-7538 or blackmank@cforks.org.

Here is an important reminder for our children from birth to 12 months.

Talk with your infants "face to face" as much as possible.

Use your infants name often.

Praise your infant when they respond to their name.

Cooing and babbling shows your infant may be developing an understanding of "taking turns" in conversations.

Substitute teachersTh e District has openings for substitute teachers.

NYS teaching certifi cation is required.

If interested, please send resume, CF teaching application and copy of teaching certifi cate to:

Carol Denz, Assistant Superintendent Chenango Forks CSD One Gordon Drive Binghamton, NY 13901 or email callans@cforks.org

Substitute teacher aides Th e District has openings for substitute teacher aides. If interested, please send resume to:

Kathy Blackman, School Business Executive Chenango Forks CSD Business Offi ce One Gordon Drive Binghamton, NY 13901 or email phoenixd@cforks.org

Substitutes needed Audit committee needs members

in session on April 18, 17, 16 and 15, 2008. If closings exceed the back-up plan, supplemental information will be posted on the CF Web site and in the newsletter.

If you have any questions concerning the priority make-up days, please contact me, Robert Bundy, Superintendent of Schools, at 648-7543.

-Robert Bundy, superintendent

“Snow”, from page 1.

Early Literacy CornerDid you know…Many young children have their photos posted online (16% of third- and fourth-graders), and many older children share photos and uniquely identifying personal information–such as their full names or home addresses–on their own Web pages or blogs. Nearly one quarter (23%) of students in grades 9-12 have shared uniquely identifying personal information with someone they had only just met on the Internet, while 13 percent of students in grades 5-8 have done the same.

Avoid posting personal photos.

Pictures can be altered to embarrass or humiliate. Th ey also provide personal information that can help an Internet predator to pretend to know you, your children, and/or their friends. Go to www.isafe.org for more information.

-Kathleen Keir, HP principal

Harshaw April dates4/4 Hearts and Hands Dance at CKE

4/14-18 No school

4/22 Harshaw Site Council Meeting

April 20084 HarshawHarshaw

Th e Parking Lot Disaster in the Harshaw Kingdom of Caring

Once upon a time there was a primary school that did not have enough parking spaces to meet the needs of all of the people who would come from far and wide in the kingdom at dismissal time. Some of the visitors were parking in areas where parking

was not allowed (on both sides of the road entering the parking lot, in front of the building, and in spaces marked handicapped). Th e principal of the school in the Harshaw Kingdom of Caring was very concerned. She needed to make sure there was enough room for emergency vehicles to enter the parking area, a safe walkway for the parents and little children, and access for those who were not able to walk a great distance. WHAT EVER SHALL SHE DO?

Well, this principal was said to be one that had great faith in the parents and visitors of the kingdom. She believed that if she went to them and said, “PLEASE, follow the parking lot rules for the safety of the children,” they would listen. Now there were those who laughed out loud at this idea. How could simply asking others to care make a diff erence? Th is could surely only happen in a true, “kingdom of caring.”

As the story goes, she was right! Just as sure as April brings spring, the parents were no longer parking on both sides of the entrance road, they were leaving the handicapped spaces for those who need them, and they were no longer blocking the area in front of the school. Some were even parking in the parking lot at Kenyon elementary and walking to parent pick-up from there. Many others joined in the crusade. Th e school district was supportive and installed signs along the roadway to help everyone know which side to park on. Th e drivers were supportive and they slowed down and watched out for all of the people crossing to and from their cars. Th e children were indeed safe once again in the Harshaw Kingdom of Caring.

-Kathleen Keir, HP principal

A fable shared with you from Ms. Keir

Party with the penguins!

In the photos at right, students get ready for International Penguin Day by reading books about penguins.

Once again students in Harshaw will celebrate International Penguin Day on April 25. Penguin lovers...please remember to wear black and white (a

red bow tie is optional.)

Th e day will be fi lled with games, stories, educational movies and more. Students in Mr. Baxter’s MS Technology and Mr. Rosko’s HS Art classes are preparing penguin crossing signs to control the pace of penguin traffi c in our hallways. Radio station COOL 100 (WCDW) plans to pop in for a special morning program.

Penguin pencils will be provided to all primary students to promote printing of numbers and letters on their papers. If your penguins would like to purchase an approved penguin treat, they may march their happy feet to the cafeteria. We look forward to a fun and exciting Penguin day.

-Midge Nirchi, fi rst-grade AIS provider

5April 2008

Second-graders in Harshaw spent a week traveling around the world. No, they didn’t take a jet...they walked. January 14-18 was a week full of world-wide learning as all 140 children traveled in and out of

a number of cultures as they visited each others classrooms.

First stop was Mrs. Knapp’s class in India. Second stop was in Miss Olsen’s room where children shared their knowledge of Scotland. Th ird stop: Italy in Mrs. Marvin’s room. Th en it was on to Japan in Miss Zajac’s classroom and China in Mrs. Collins’ room. Th e Philippines was in Mrs. Harris’ room, and the fi nal stop was Australia in Mrs. Germano’s room.

Each group of travelers consisted of three to four children from each of the seven classrooms, allowing children from each group to share their focus country with their peers. Th ey were all equipped with maps of the world as they went from country to country. Th ey returned to their home country with seven diff erent fl ags and projects. Th ese little travelers were a well-behaved and knowledgeable group of children. Th eir teachers observed with pride how well they traveled around the world.

-Mary Collins, second-grade teacher

Second grade travels around the world

Second-graders study maps and fl ags of the countries they will visit.

Student placement is something we take very seriously. Soon you will be given the opportunity to

complete a 2008-2009 teacher request form. Th e entire elementary staff works very hard to create classroom placements that off er our children an educational environment that is both supportive and challenging. Each teacher and each student has strengths and we do our very best to match student strengths with teacher strengths when considering classroom placements.

Some parents decide they would like to complete a parent request form in order to have a voice in the placement process. If you would like your parent request form to be considered for the 2008-2009 school year, here are some important reminders:

•Each teacher request form must be completed in full and returned or postmarked by May 16. Forms will be available May 1.

•Th ere is no order of selection on the form. We will do everything possible to place your child in any ONE of the classrooms on the list.

•Please call Harshaw at 648-7580 or Kenyon at 648-7520 if you have any questions or concerns.

-Kathleen Keir & Bernie McDermott, principals

Teacher requests 2008-2009

Harshaw/KenyonHarshaw/Kenyon

Three things in human life are important. The first is to be kind.

The second is to be kind. And the third is to be kind.

-Henry James”

“

April 20086 Harshaw/KenyonHarshaw/Kenyon

Reading and writing. Th ese are very valuable tools and ones with which our students need to be successful in and out of the classroom. Teachers in both

Harshaw and Kenyon welcomed teachers from the Groton and the Owego-Apalachin school districts to share their craft of teaching and their work in the Literacy Collaborative Framework that has been an integral part of the Chenango Forks literacy instruction for eight years.

Harshaw teachers Pati Maus and Nicole Knapp welcomed their fi rst- and second-grade colleagues from Owego. Th ese teachers just started implementing the literacy collaborative and traveled to CF to learn and grow from our teachers. Pam Horton, Owego literacy specialist, and Emily Regan, CF primary literacy coordinator, arranged this day of observation and collaboration with the support of the administration teams at both districts.

In addition to the literacy work at Harshaw over the past seven years, Kenyon has worked to implement the Literacy

Collaboration at its best! Collaboration at its best!

4/22 Kenyon Site Council @ 2:30

4/24 Grade 4 to Kopernik - Green, Beach, Rowlands www.kopernik.org

Kenyon quarterly Recognition Assembly (note this is a day earlier than the District Calendar) @ 1:15 in the CFE Auditorium.

Report cards issued at the end of the day.

4/25 Grade 4 to Kopernik - Winters and Lapham

4/29 Grade 4 Science Exam (a.m.) Performance exam by class throughout the rest of the week.

Grade 3 - Finch Hollow- Moody and Erickson www.gobroomecounty.com/ parks/ParksFinchHollow

Please check the Kenyon calendar on the www.cforks.org Web site for updates and more details.

We would like to thank Carla Vermilyea and Michelle Ashman for organizing PARP and to the PTA for sponsoring our guest puppet show and author.

Mrs. Rowlands, left, works with her students while a teacher from Groton observes.

Collaborative to cultivate a community of readers and writers.

Kenyon teachers welcomed teachers from Groton to spend the day visiting third- and fouth-grade classrooms to see readers and writers in action. Our visitors had the opportunity to spend time in Mrs. Rowland’s fourth-grade classroom as

the students engaged in a reading workshop. Mrs. Green’s class demonstrated how to use the Smart Board to compose poems. Th ird-grade teachers Mrs. Stankevich and Mrs. Bender welcomed their participation in a writer’s workshop.

Th e visit was arranged by Jennifer Dove, Groton director of teaching, learning and technology, and Lori DeAngelo, CF

intermediate literacy coordinator, to help support

Groton teachers as they develop a balanced literacy program in their district. Th e collaboration and conversation around teaching and learning has been benefi cial to all and this is what makes for eff ective schools, quality teachers and knowledgeable and supportive leadership.

-Lori DeAngelo, intermediate literacy coordinator and Emily Regan, primary literacy coordinator

Kenyon April dates

7April 2008 Harshaw/KenyonHarshaw/Kenyon

This year’s H.E.A.R.T.S. (Health Educational Activities Related to Standards) outdoors program is off to a great start with fourth- through sixth-grade students

involved in outdoor adventure activities twice a week. During February and March we emphasized cross country skiing and snowshoeing while doing some indoor rock climbing and sledding. Additionally, we off ered periodic weekend outings.

to eight high and low elements designed to increase the heart rate through jumping. Each station incorporates either stationary or motor jumping movements that students enjoyed both individually and with their friends. After the lessons, students took with them the knowledge of how to take their pulse and how to bring their heart rate back down. Th e P.E. teachers also stressed the importance of maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle by making good choices on what to put into our bodies to keep our hearts strong.

Mr. McMullen said, “It really opens the kids’ eyes when they look around the gym and see just how many hands go up when we ask if they know of anyone who has experienced heart problems or stroke. Our goal is for students to enjoy physical activity and to get their families involved as well.”

-Jarod McMullen and Kelly Hillis, PE teachers

Kassidy Bloom and Victoria Doll enjoy the snow.

Outdoor fun

“Heart”, from page 1.

Our trip to Highland Forest was a fun success with great snow and weather. We highlighted our winter program with a trip to Greek Peak for snowboarding in mid-March.

Th e spring session will start on April 21. Canoeing, mountain biking and a ropes course will be our focus. Any interested fourth-through fi fth-grade students should see Mrs. Hillis or Mr. Busch for parent permission slips. Questions may be directed to buschs@cforks.org or hillisk@cforks.org. Th e H.E.A.R.T.S. program has been funded through the Carol M. White Physical Education Program grant.

-Kelly Hillis, PE teacher

Students participate in the heart healthy obstacle course and the jump rope stations.

April 20088 KenyonKenyon

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

Character counts!

Student Teacher/ClassAlyssa Bubniak Mrs. BenderCorea Clark Ms. EricksonSamatha Suer Mrs. HudakHanna Layton Mrs. MoodyAnthony Webb Mrs. StankevichJason Bosa Mrs. WillLauren Rooney 3rd-grade cafeteriaKyle Matson 3rd-grade cafeteriaMegan LaVassuer Mrs. BeachNicholas Hutchinson Mrs. GreenJacob Guinan Mrs. LaphamCollin Topa Mrs. RowlandsMelissa Church Mrs. RowlandsMakaela Stasko Mrs. WintersRuth Banks 4th-grade cafeteriaJustin Griswold 4th-grade cafeteriaKatelyn Matson Mr. AllioMiranda Raeder Mr. BenderShamirah Parliman Miss EdwardsRyan Bronson Mrs. EmmMaryanna Wellls Mrs. MillerMiranda Raeder 5th-grade cafeteriaBen Conklin 5th-grade cafeteriaCristal Cadwallader Mrs. BeaudoinRaegan Lewis Mrs. HamlinAngelica Wallace Mrs. HamlinVirginia Korec Mrs. HillisCody Lamond Mrs. HillisMaya Reynolds Mrs. HillisAlexis Burge Mrs. MikeskaJordan Lambiase Mrs. AbbeyAbigail Rosko Mrs. AbbeyDeja Eikenberry Mrs. AbbeyShamriah Parliman Mrs. DeAngeloKaylea Lockwood Mr. AllportKendra Vest Mr. AllportAllan Michael Rios Mr. AllportShawn Bensley Mr. AllportJack Sherwood Miss MuracaElizabeth Price Mrs. Robi

Caught with Character

9April 2008 Middle SchoolMiddle School

Student of the monthStudent Subject TeacherDarren Molter Technology 6 L. BaxterKaylee Krager Technology 7 L. BaxterAriel Roys Technology 8 L. BaxterIsaiah Zimmer Home & Career Skills 6 L. BreckSamantha Th atcher Home & Career Skills 7 L. BreckErik Johnson Home & Career Skills 8 L. BreckAlex Singh Regents Earth Science L. BrooksKyle Kelly English 7 L. ChestnutKenny Starr Science 7 C. ChurchJohn Roys Science 6 K. ChurchSebastian Decker English 8 M. CondonNicole Szymkowicz Regents Earth Science T. ConnerMichael Diekow Physical Education P. DerrJared Stein Physical Education P. DerrJames Allen Physical Education P. DerrAriel Roys Physical Education P. DerrStephanie Zdimal Health S. DeuelEvan Picciano Health S. DeuelGabrielle Schmidt Computers S. DeuelLaurie Dupnock French 7 N. DimatosKaris DuBois Physical Education P. DykemanDaniel White Physical Education P. DykemanValerie Dybas Physical Education P. DykemanKevin Lamparter Academic Achievement 8 R. FortierEric Yonda Social Studies K. GreenSeth Lake Spanish 7 M. GregrowKelsie Carter Social Studies 7 P. Griffi thsNathan Barfi eld Social Studies 6 P. KampKelsey Brown Math 7A D. LynchAlicia Sullivan Written Expression M. O’HearnConnor Luybli Spanish IB J. PepplesSarah Maximowicz Spanish IB J. PepplesValerie Dybas HS Band K. RobertsonMarisa Valdes Science 8 A. RulloKyle Payne Science 8 A. RulloAllison Yatsonsky Art J. RussellDavid VanHorn Art J. RussellLogan Hall Reading 6 J. Stark/ J. CrandellChris Ames Academic Achievement P. SwartoutCallie Truex Math 7 M. TioMaddie Staiger Math 6 T. UrdaLogan Hall Science T. VermaatMaisen Panko General Music 6 N. WildonerKelsie Carter General Music 7 N. WildonerHaley Sterling English M. Zappia

April 200810 Middle SchoolMiddle School

It’s April and our modifi ed spring sports are in full session. Between 3 and 5 p.m. each afternoon, middle school athletes pack our fi elds. At each fi eld you’ll fi nd an often

overlooked but very important educator, the modifi ed coach.

It takes a lot to coach middle schoolers. Just what does it take?

First, you must know the basics of the sport and you must know how to teach the basics. You must know how to develop a sometimes inattentive, still growing youngster into someone that can at least appear as if he or she knows what is going on out on that fi eld.

Modifi ed coaches need to be someone the kids will follow, someone the kids feel comfortable being around. Modifi ed coaches often have to recruit from the phys-ed classes and the cafeteria. At C.F.M.S., we encourage students to join our sports teams. We do more than simply post a sign-up sheet. We do our best to get every kid to participate in a sport.

On the other hand, the coach sometimes has to cut kids from the team. Cutting a seventh- or eighth-grader from a team can be the toughest task any educator faces. Cuts need to be made with dignity and sometimes counseling. Not making a team can be painful. With coaches working together, children cut from one sport often end up in a sport that needs players. Nonetheless, cutting a modifi ed athlete is still diffi cult.

Modifi ed coaches also have the responsibility of bolstering the memory of the middle school athlete. Coaches often collect forgotten items that are abandoned at the end of practices and games. It is common for parents to go to the wrong school or miss a game because their child lost his or her schedule for the third time. It is not uncommon for a modifi ed player to come into the offi ce asking “where did my team go?”

Th ese coaches must ensure there is supervision during every minute of free time. You just cannot leave a group of 13-year old student/athletes unsupervised for longer than thirty seconds. To do so invites major and minor upheaval.

Modifi ed coaches must interact with parents. Everyone wants their kid to play in the game (and at the modifi ed level every

Coaching the Middle Schooler kid should play). But there are some who insist their child should start and play the entire game. Modifi ed coaches need to promote an idea that is foreign to some adults: winning really isn’t everything. Th e win/loss record is not as important as skills development and student interest in the sport.

Modifi ed coaches need to be excellent teachers. Th eir teaching is right out there for everyone to see. Every modifi ed coach knows the feeling of sending a team onto the fi eld that performs as if they were lost children from Mars. With middle schoolers, modifi ed coaches know you must tell them, then

demonstrate, and then practice everything over and over while at the same time keeping them interested.

Modifi ed coaches also become academic advisors and counselors. It is common for coaches to track their players’ academic progress. Additionally, these coaches often counsel the players on the many adolescent issues that come with their age. So, with all of these hassles,

why do we want modifi ed sports? Because it provides a student/school connection. A connection to school is one of the most proven eff ective indicators of school success. It also teaches socialization; kids must learn how to work together. Additionally, as you know, obesity and physical fi tness are major problems. Modifi ed athletics are probably our strongest tool for success in those areas.

So why would one want to be a modifi ed coach? Because it is fun. Yes, despite all of the above, coaching a team of seventh- or eighth-graders can be exciting and fulfi lling. At no other time and in few other activities will you see such growth and improvement. Th e teaching done as a coach is rewarding. Yes, modifi ed coaches truly are important teachers and we appreciate their eff orts.

We ask that you join us in supporting our coaches. Use only positive cheers from the bleachers. Never undermine their eff orts. Understand the enormity of the “coaches job” and the importance of their many roles. And join in the fun with the school, the coach and the kids.

-William Burke, MS principal

11April 2008 Middle SchoolMiddle School

Eighth-grader Ariel Roys was awarded a special good character award. While on

vacation over the winter break, Ariel was given credit for pulling a near-drowning youngster out of a swimming pool. We congratulate Ariel for getting involved and reacting in an eff ort that made a diff erence.

-Bill Burke, MS principal

Congratulations to Tyler Backus for being recognized for his good manners by the “Press and

Sun-Bulletin”. In a recent newspaper article, Valerie Zehl reported how touched she was with his display of manners after Tyler held a door open for her. Th e article covered almost half a page in the “Press and Sun Bulletin”. We are very proud that Tyler represents Chenango Forks Middle School so well with his good manners.

-Bill Burke, MS principal

The CF Middle School Science Olympiad Team competed in the

Regional Science Olympiad competition at M-E High School on Saturday, March 1. Th e students prepared for this event the entire year. Th e competition tests the students on their knowledge and problem-solving skills. Our team placed fi fth overall and nine students received medals for their hard work in

ecology, meteorology, oceanography, road scholar and car of tomorrow. Some events even required them to build a device to take to the competition.

Any students who will be in seventh-, eighth-, or ninth-grade next year and are interested in joining the team should contact Mrs. C. Church in the middle school. Great job team.

-Carol Church, MS science teacher

Student saves a life

Ariel Roys

Good manners rewarded

Tyler Backus

Olympiad Team competes

Dan White competes in the track event.

Mrs. Church, front, far right, with her team during the competition.

Middle School April dates

4/4 MS Dance

4/7 Site Council @ 2:15 p.m.

5/14-17 “Spirit of 76” Trip

5/31 HS/MS Bands to Dorney Park

6/6 Chorus to Dorney Park

6/13 MS Dress up dance

“Do all the good you can,

By all the means you can,

In all the ways you can,

In all the places you can,

At all the times you can.

”

April 200812

Balloon-powered race car champions.Balloon-powered race car champions.

Middle School/High SchoolMiddle School/High School

A little imagination, plenty of hot air and some scientifi c knowledge were all part of a fun science experiment. Students in Mr. Rullo’s eighth-grade

Physical Science class built and raced balloon-powered race cars. Th e cars had to relate to forces and to Newton’s fi rst, second, and third Laws of Motion.

Students created the cars from scratch, using their own materials and their own imagination. Th e students in the photo at right were either distance champions (cars traveling up to 10.0 meters), speed champions or design champions (as voted on by their classmates).

Great job to all for your eff orts. Sir Isaac Newton would be proud.

-Andrew Rullo, eighth-grade physical science

An English 9 “Tea Party” Before tackling Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations, students spent time learning about

life in the 19th century. As part of their culminating project for this unit, students took part in a Victorian Tea Party. Refreshments were prepared by the students which included scones, cucumber sandwiches and several beautiful reproductions of Miss Havisham’s wedding cake!

French I Haute Couture Th e French have always been known for their high-fashion standards and eighth-graders entered the world of Haute Couture last month when they took part in a French Fashion Show. As the culminating project for the clothing unit, students designed the costumes, planned the music, modeled the outfi ts and prepared refreshments à la française. Every student played an important role in this annual undertaking.

French 7 Mardi Gras Mardi Gras Mask-Making teaches seventh-grade French students about culture -- and gives them the opportunity to use feathers and glitter paint to create their masks.

-Nicole Dimatos, MS French and HS English

And the winner is...

It’s a party of languages

Students enjoy their English Tea Party.

Students with their completed Mardi Gras masks.

13April 2008

Student Course TeacherSharon Hartzell Math 11B A. BiddleCasey Redfern Spanish III M. BlackTiff any Evanchof Spanish IV M. BlackJames Pietrosanti Regents Earth Science L. Brooks Mary Katherine Dugue Physical Education S. BuschStephen Edwards Physical Education S. BuschDavid Hendrickson Spanish II S. ByrnesSarah Andrus Regents Earth Science T. ConnerVictoria Pecha Foods II D. DanielsPaul Bartlett Math 10 AB M. FendickJason Cummings Integrated Algebra M. Fendick Mike FitzPatrick, IV Physical Education N. FerschMorgan White Physical Education N. FerschAshley Shaylor Earth Science T. GiovencoAlyssa Hawras Regents Biology T. GiovencoKristen Warren AP Biology T. GiovencoChauna D’Angelo Economics P. Griffi thsLauren Gridley Math 10 AB A. GronskiLucas Guinan BCC U.S. History D. HooperJason Waterman AP Physics S. LaineAlexis Lawton Regents Physics S. LaineCrystal Canniff French II J. MyersLucas Guinan French IV J. MyersPatrick Reardon Spanish II J. PepplesCameron Cortright Computer Aided Design G. ReidMichael Redfern Band K. RobertsonXingLin Li Chemistry A. RulloRikki Fuller Studio Art 3D J. RussellAndrew Hertzog Ceramics J. Russell Dalton Stinson Integrated Algebra 1 T. SanfordMarty Beach Health Education K. ShapiroDan Grady English 10 K. TaylorTim Kane Creative Writing K. TaylorBrooke Robertson English 9 K. Taylor

High SchoolHigh School

Student of the Month

April 200814 High SchoolHigh School

“A Funny Th ing Happened On the Way to the Forum”, by Stephen Sondheim.

Togas, tunics and tons of laughs...come join the Chenango Forks Upstagers for our spring musical production. Cast and crew have been

working hard for months with Stage Director Tina Opie, Maestra Barb Fuller and Producer Bridget Garzo. Many thanks to our supportive families, friends, teachers and community members who help make our productions possible. We hope to see you at our shows.

Show Dates:

Friday, April 4 at 7pm

Saturday, April 5 at 7pm

Sunday, April 6 at 3pm

Ticket Prices:

$5 for senior citizens and students

$7 for adults

While going to a Spanish-speaking country would be the ideal way to learn about the language and culture, the next best thing is to recreate it in the classroom.

Students in Mandy Black’s Spanish IV class, which is off ered through the University at Albany, participated in Spanish “wedding ceremonies.” Th e purpose of the exercise was to give students the opportunity to learn and practice the use of the subjunctive mood while recreating a real-life situation.

Two “couples” pretended to get married and used their Spanish-speaking skills throughout the ceremony, focusing on the subjunctive mood. As part of the ceremony, an ex-boyfriend shows up to stop the ceremony, the mother of the bride cries, ‘ring pop’, wedding rings were exchanged, and the class

Chenango Forks Upstagers presents…

Members of the Upstagers take a break from rehearsal for a group photo.

~Bridget Garzo, English teacher and Upstagers producer

Getting married in Spanish class

Th e wedding party.See “Wedding”, page 16.

15April 2008

Students in Regents and AP Physics recently ventured outside with sleds in hand as part of a lab experiment. Th ey experienced fi rsthand how physics has many real-life applications in something as simple and fun as sledding.

Th e purpose of the lab was to determine the coeffi cient of friction between the sled and the snow. Th e coeffi cient is a number that indicates how strong the friction is between two surfaces. While outside, the students measured the angle of the hill that they were sledding on and recorded time measurements to see how long it took someone to sled down the hill. From this data alone they were able to set up a series of formulas, using skills they learned in class earlier this year, and perform some calculations using Newton’s Laws to determine the coeffi cient of friction. Th e results came out well with the coeffi cient of friction being around 0.50, which is why sledding can be so much fun. And even though the weather was quite cold, everyone had a great time. -Sabrina Laine, HS physics teacher

Now that we’ve taken the data, let’s have some fun.

They learned in the classroom and then they put that learning to work in competition. On Saturday, February 9, the CF High School Science Olympiad

team traveled to Binghamton University for the Science Olympiad regional competition. Th is was Chenango Fork’s 22nd consecutive year in regional competition.

Th is year was another success for the Forks team as they earned 12 medals, placing them fi fth out of 12 teams. Forks fell short of Vestal’s and UE’s #1 teams, Maine-Endwell and Seton. Forks fi nished above Johnson City, Binghamton, Horseheads, Vestal #2, Union-Endicott #2, Tioga and Deposit.

Sarah Petko and Corinna Ridgeway earned gold medals in “Write it Do It”, a technical writing competition.

Forks won silver in “Ecology” with Sharon Hartzel and Alex Berkowitz; “Cell Biology” with Sharon Hartzel and

High SchoolHigh School

It’s a physics lesson...really!

Corinna Ridgeway and Sarah Petko show off their cool gold medals.

Science Olympiad competition

See “Olympiad, page 16.

April 200816 District/High SchoolDistrict/High School

Erin Elder; “Electric Vehicle” with Matthew Kane and Alex Berkowitz; and in “Robotics”, Robot Ramble with Matthew Kane and Joe Furey.

Bronze medals were won in the “Battling Robot event-Sumo Bots” by Matthew Kane and Joy Furey.

-Tim Conner, HS Science Teacher

High School April dates

“Olympiad”, from page 15.

4/1 Registration deadline for May SAT

4/7 Site Council Meeting @ 2:15 p.m. in HS conference room

4/14-18 No school

Th e 2008 High School Science Olympiad Team.Front L to R: Josh Stringer, Joe Furey, Alex Berkowitz, Matthew Kane, Joe Silverio, and James Haley.Back L to R: Trisha Dupnock, Carmella Ciacelli, Sharon Hartzell, Victoria Pecha, Tiff any Evanchof, Sarah Petko, Corinna Ridgeway, Erin Elder and Cassie Burgin.

toasted the couple with sparkling grape juice. Students also practiced the subjunctive mood by creating special wishes for the couple, a Spanish tradition. Th is classroom activity helped students understand when to use the subjunctive, which is used to express wishes, emotions, doubts, demands, impersonal and negative expressions, and grief.

-Mandy Black, Spanish teacher

The work associated with the installation of bus lifts at our bus garage is nearly complete. For the remainder of the project, the construction bids have been

received and awarded to the following seven contractors:

General: Daniel J. Lynch, Inc.

Site work: Smith Site Development, LLC

Electrical: Blanding Electric, Inc. (Phase One & Two)

Mechanical: Louis N. Picciano and Son, Inc.

Plumbing: James L. Lewis, Inc.

Security systems: Control Network Communications, Inc.

Sound system: Brown Sound Equipment Corp.

We expect construction trailers to be placed on-site in early April and exterior site work to begin shortly thereafter. Construction documents, submittals and drawing are currently under review. Th e fi rst area to be renovated will be our all purpose stadium including the track, fi eld and bleachers. Interior work within the buildings will begin after school is out for the summer.

If you have any questions concerning the capital project, please contact Kathy Blackman, Business Executive, at 607-648-7564.

CF construction update

We will be conducting a census again this year to fulfi ll the requirements of the Chenango Forks Central School District Board of Education policy

and Education Law. Th e census forms requesting updated information will be mailed in late April or early May to your home. Included with your form will be a self-addressed, stamped envelop to assist in the return of the forms. A copy of the census form will also be available on our Web site at

www.cforks.org. A door-to-door census will be conducted for those homes that do not return a completed form. Th e individuals conducting the census will have clearly displayed Chenango Forks Central School Identifi cation Badges.

If you have any questions concerning the census, please do not hesitate to contact Kathy Blackman at (607) 648-7564.

“Wedding”, from page 14.

2008 Census

17April 2008 Congratulations CF AthletesCongratulations CF AthletesScholar/Athlete teams

On and off the playing fi eld, our scholar/athletes excel. To be considered a scholar/athlete team, each “eligible” varsity sport is given a required number of

scholar/athletes for that particular sport as determined by the NYSPHSAA. For example, 12 is the required number for the girls soccer team, while seven is the required number for the golf team.

An average of the required number of athletes’ GPA earned during that sports season’s marking period is computed. If this average is 90 percent or greater, the members of the team earned the award. Additionally, each varsity team member (beyond the required team number) will be recognized individually if their report for that sport season is 90 percent or greater.

Garret Cade, Jake Reynolds, Tyler Plahanski, Mike Jeske, Casey Redfern, Corey Bruet and Matt Mirabito.

Amanda Brewer, Jenna Grems, Nicole Brewer, Yelena Pecheny, Rebecca Broderick, Sarah Krizan, Kristen Brooks, Amanda Brooks, Jessica Dyer, Felicia Hertzog, Emily Lowe and Briana Hawras.

Boys Basketball

Meghan Spencer, Tori Matt, Haley VanTassel, Michelle Staiger, Cassie Lord, Lauren Guth and Raychel Shannon.

Girls Basketball

Girls Indoor Track

Girls Basketball - Coach Nick FerschAll-Division: Allie Bruet, Michelle Staiger

Academic All-Star: Tori Matt

Sportsmanship Award: Becky Foster

Winter sports end-of-season highlights

See “Sports”, page 18.

Congratulations to all our student/athletes for their successes, both in the classroom and on the fi eld of play.

-David Hogan, athletic director

April 200818 Congratulations CF AthletesCongratulations CF Athletes

Sectional Place Winners: Jesse Barnett - 2nd, Matt Bennett - 4th, Kiefer Smyder - 3rd, Jud DuBois - 1st, Nick Stephens - 5th, Jordan Barnett - 4th, Jesse Villella - 1st, Casey LaNave - 2nd, Tom Voorhis - 1st, Roger Hall - 5th, Tyler Lusht - 3rd and Rickey Bronson - 1st

All Division: - Jud DuBois, Kiefer Smyder, Jesse Villella, Rickey Bronson, Casey LaNave and Matt Bennett

All Conference: Tory Pecha

All-Division: Tanner Patrick, Malinda Robinson, Crystal Canniff

Academic All-Star: Zachary Vankuren and Tori Pecha

Sportsmanship Award: Joe Wayman and Heather Finn

Team highlight: Th is is Tory Pecha’s second year going to states. Her ending average was a 204.

Boys Basketball - Coach Drew RulloSportsmanship Award and All-Division: Garrett Cade

Academic All-Star: Jake Reynolds

“Sports”, from page 17.

Wrestling - Coach Rick Gumble

Bowling - Coach John Preston

Cheerleading - Coach Cyntrece BrownAcademic All-Star: Brittany Gibbons

Sportsmanship Award: Brent Fleicher

19April 2008 Congratulations CF AthletesCongratulations CF AthletesIndoor Track & Field - Coach Tina GermanoAll-Conference: Elliot Cook - 1st Team, Mike Giblin - 2nd Team, Adam Mills - 2nd Team, Nicole Brewer - 1st Team and Emily Lowe - 2nd Team

Academic All-Star: Briana Hawras and Aaron Phelps

Sportsmanship Amanda Brewer, Elliot Cook and Award: Nicole Brewer

Team results: All Conference RelaysBoys Relay - 2nd Team: Dan

Conklin, Joe Guth, Jim Guth and Justin Bowersox

Girls Relay - 2nd Team: Emily Lowe, Kristen Brooks, Rebecca Broderick and Sarah Krizan

Team highlight: Elliot Cook, State Qualifi er in Pole Vault

Boys Swimming & Diving - Coach Dan KozlowskiAll Conference: Steven Kwartler, Dan Maximowicz, Stephen Edwards, Max Ginty and Tyler Serva

All-Division: Tim Kane, Tyler Serva, Stephen Edwards and Dan Maximowicz

Academic All-Star: Steven Kwartler

Sportsmanship Tim KaneAward:

Team highlights: Division Champions, 9-2 overall record.

Team was Elmira Free Academy 2008 Invitational Champions.

Steven Kwartler, Stephen Edwards, Tyler Serva and Dan Maximowicz - 200 Free Relay school record with a time of 1:29.99.

Steven Kwartler - school records in 50 Free with a time of 21.33 and in the 100 Breast stroke with a time of 59.19.

Steven Kwartler - STAC Record - 100 Breast stroke.

Max Ginty, Stephen Edwards, Tyler Serva, Steven Kwartler and Dan Maximowicz - 2008 State Qualifi ers.

April 200820 Home of the Blue DevilsHome of the Blue Devils

1 Gordon DriveBinghamton, NY 13901

Nonprofi t OrganizationU.S. Postage PAID

Permit No. 155Chenango Forks, NY

ECRWSS Or Current Resident

Superintendent of SchoolsRobert Bundy

Assistant SuperintendentCarol Denz

Business ExecutiveKathryn Blackman

Communications CoordinatorLinda Myers

MeetingsCF PTA Tuesday, April 8 6:30 p.m. Special BOE Monday, April 21 TBD

Requests for transportation to private schools for the 2008-2009 school year must be submitted by April 1, 2008. Send requests to Jerry Hartman, Transportation Supervisor, Chenango Forks Elementary School.

Th e Town of Chenango Offi ces have been relocated. Th e new address and telephone numbers are listed below.

1529 NY RT. 12Binghamton, NY 13901Phone: (607) 648-4809Fax: (607) 648-8511

Town offi ces moved

Private school transportation

Petitions for Board of Education seatPetitions for the Board of Education seat to fi ll the expired fi ve-year term presently held by Don Faith may be obtained from Dawn Phoenix, district clerk. Th e new term will terminate on June 30, 2013. Petitions must be returned no later than 5 p.m. on April 21, 2008 to Mrs. Phoenix in the Business Offi ce. A minimum of 25 signatures is required.

Important Budget DatesBudget Adoption

Th ursday, April 3 @ 7:15 p.m., M.S. Library

Budget Hearing Th ursday, May 8 @ 7:15 p.m., M.S. Library

Budget VoteTuesday, May 20 from 12 noon to 9 p.m., H.S. Auditorium

Chenango Aquatics (CAGO), a competitive swim club, will hold sign-ups for the upcoming summer season on Monday, April 21, at 7:30 p.m. at the

high school pool. Swimmers of any age who are able to swim one length of the pool unaided are eligible to join. A swim test will be given to all swimmers during sign-ups, so come prepared to swim. Th ere are insurance and training fees involved to join.

Pre-Competitive Swim LessonsA six-week, pre-competitive swim class will also be off ered. Sign-ups are April 21 at 7:30 p.m. at the high school pool.

For more information, visit our Web site at www.cagoswim.com. If you have any questions, contact Shelley Suer at 648-7008, or elliot@cagoswim.com.

-Shelley Suer, CAGO

CAGO season sign-up