Honeoye Central School District
Monthly Newsletter ~ NOVEMBER 2022
Message from the Superintendent
Dear HCS Families and Community Members,
Research suggests that gratitude is strongly and consistently correlated with happiness. Given it is November, and a time of refection and gratitude, I want to take this opportunity to share just a few things of which we feel grateful for at HCS:
- We are thankful each day for our students, who arrive daily ready to learn. Our students are a tangible reminder of what is truly important and our purpose.
- We are thankful for the dynamic teachers, paraprofessionals, bus drivers, clerical staff, nurses, administration and support staff who demonstrate genuine care about Honeoye students and their achievement.
- We are also thankful for all of you. Thank you for entrusting us with your most precious possession and for being a partner in your child’s education. It is in partnership with you that we have the greatest potential to actualize the mission of public education.
Our November District Newsletter contains a plethora of information. Before reading on, please accept warm wishes that you and yours enjoy a happy, healthy and relaxing Thanksgiving holiday! Enjoy time with those who matter most!
As always, please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns about the information contained in this newsletter or otherwise.
Ms. Bridget Ashton
Elizabeth Bridget Ashton
Superintendent, Honeoye Central School District
8528 Main Street
Honeoye, New York 14471
On Twitter: @EBridgetAshton
Congrats to our 2022 NHS Inductees!
Mollie Asquino
Leah Green
Ava Higgins
Lindsay Higley
McKayla Johnson
Rae MacDonald
Katelyn Reynolds
Molly Rubadeau
Hadynn Schultz
Grace Smith
Ashley Thomas
Ethan Zuck
Superintendent Updates, District Priority Area 2 - Safe and Supportive Learning Environment
Safe and Supportive Learning Environment: Collaboration with Law Enforcement and FBI
School safety is paramount to the work of our organization. We know that each and every child who comes through our doors each morning is a parent/guardian's most important someone. Knowing this, we are committed to the review and development of enhanced safety protocols and procedures.
During the month of October, HCS engaged in collaboration with law enforcement and FBI to conduct informal safety audits and to identify actionable items for the district. The District Safety Team met on Wednesday, 10/26. During a school safety debrief with the District Safety Team, I shared information that was obtained during interfacing with law enforcement and safety officials/agencies:
- 9/1: Safety Training/Presentation by Retired FBI Agent, David Budz
10/13: Safety Discussion with Risk and Safety Management / Fire Marshall, Christina Burnett
10/13: Wayne County Sheriff Debriefing of Critical Incident
10/14: Campus Level Safety Tour with Former FBI Agent, John Kelley
10/25: TapApp Meeting with owner
10/25: Risk and Threat Assessment Protocols with HCS Student Support Team and FBI Agent, Katey Tonzelli
- Development of Behavior Intervention Team
As you might imagine, numerous action steps have been identified for execution at HCS. More information will be shared around actionable items as it becomes available. Some highlights shared below...
Safe and Supportive Learning Environment - TapApp
- In June 2022, Alyssa’s Law was enacted and requires school district district-wide safety teams to consider, as part of their review of the comprehensive district-wide safety plan, the installation of a panic alarm system to silently alert law enforcement in the event of a life threatening or emergency situation. The bill is named for Alyssa Alhadeff, who was shot and killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on February 14, 2018.
- The District Safety Committee assembled in October. During this meeting, it was my recommendation and unanimously agreed upon that HCS would commit to contract with TapApp. TapApp is a panic alarm system which allows for all users to access a panic alarm system which would trigger lockdown and 911 emergency call in the event of a critical incident.
- HCS has since contracted with TapApp and hopes to roll out the panic alarm system with staff prior to January 1.
Safe and Supportive Learning Environment - Other Items, In Progress
- HCS is working with a vendor to develop a system of wayfaring in the district. The best way to describe wayfaring is a system of signage which would allow guests and emergency responders to better navigate the physical footprint of our campus. Each law enforcement agency that we have collaborated with has identified this as an action item for the district. Wayfaring had also previously been identified as a priority during short and long term facilities planning.
- HCS is working on the development of a Behavior Intervention Team (BIT). The BIT concept is modeled after the CIT (Crisis Intervention Team) approach utilized by law enforcement to best identify potentially violent individuals and to develop targeted, intensive supports.
- Representatives from RocTac (Rochester Threat Advisory Committee) and FBI Agent Tonzelli will present a community forum with families (and students) on "See Something, Say Something." It is anticipated that this informational program will be scheduled after Jan 1. More info to follow as it becomes available.
Superintendent Updates: District Priority Area 3 - Community Partnership
Building and District Level Communications
The Honeoye Central School District is committed to honest, open and reliable communication with all of our stakeholders. We believe that maintaining accessible, two way dialogue with our staff, students, families and community is key to building strong relationships, which are the bedrock of a successful school district. To this effect, the district engaged with stakeholders last spring and administered a communications survey in May 2022. Feedback obtained supported the development of a District Communications Plan which outlines action steps specific to the following three goals:
- Expand the culture of communication and provide highly effective communication services to district stakeholders.
- Continue to refine and enhance the district website to ensure it is relevant, up to date and user friendly and to foster HoneoyePROUD branding.
- Build social media presence to showcase HCS and to foster HoneoyePROUD branding.
To foster enhanced communications and district messaging that best meets community need, your feedback will be very important. It is the intent of the district to administer a communications survey again in May of 2023. In the meantime, however, please feel free to reach out with questions or suggestions.
Reminder: Chain of Contact
- In the event of a question or concern specific to your child(ren)'s academic experience, please refer to the HCS Chain of Contact to ensure your inquiry is directed to the applicable HCS faculty or staff member who is best suited to provide a response.
- HCS faculty and staff strive to provide timely responses to all inquiries. Thank you in advance for your patience, as we are not always able to provide same day correspondence.
HCS Website
- The HCS website is designed to present important information and communications with all stakeholders.
- Should you have any questions, suggestions, or note a difficulty with the HCS website, please reach out to the HCS Webmaster, Alana Suggs, by filling out this form.
- This feedback tool may also be accessed on the HCS website via the pathway:
- www.honeoye.org
- District Offices
- Website
Town Halls Cancelled
- Due to limited participation, the Town Hall Meetings scheduled for January 26 and April 13 have been cancelled.
- Despite the cancellation of the Town Hall meetings, building and district level administration welcome the opportunity to connect with families and community. Never hesitate to reach out!
NYSPHSAA Spectator Expectations
- As I shared in the October Newsletter, NYSPHSAA had been discussing policy that Spectator Expectations would be added to their guidelines and handbook. In October 2022, NYSPHSAA leadership took action and will require all schools to implement and enforce Spectator Expectations in 2023-24 as outlined by NYSPHSAA.
- At HCS, we included Provisions for Parents and Spectators in our Athletic and Extracurricular Policy & Permission Booklet.
- We will update our handbook for 2023-24 to reflect the Spectator Expectations outlined by NYSPHSAA.
New York State School Board's Association (NYSSBA) Update
Take Action to Support Universal School Meals
The Healthy School Meals for All NY Kids (HSMFA NY Kids) campaign supports the establishment and funding of a statewide, permanent free school meals program. NYSSBA invites you to "Take Action" by clicking here. After entering your address, the pre-populated letter will be ready for distribution to your state legislators, as well as to the Executive Chamber. You may edit the letter to add a district-specific perspective.
November District Newsletter: List and Ordering of Contents
- At the Secondary Level...From Mr. Schneckenburger - SMORE link
- Class of 2023 Updates
- At the Elementary Level...From Mrs. Pfluke - SMORE link
- From the Desk of HCS AP, Mr. Akers
- News from the HCS Technology Department
- From the Desk of Tina Bush, Director of Pupil Personnel Services
- Reminders from the Health Office, Mrs. Tonkery
- Scribbles from the School Social Worker, Ms. Perrin
- Counselor's Corner, Mrs. VanLare & Mr. Carrier
- HCS Prevention Educator, Nicole Drost
- MTSS: Attendance, Mrs. Iati-Lafave
- Learning and Literacy: Mrs. Farrell, Literacy Coach
- Honeoye Music Department Newsletter
- On Deck at HCS Secondary School - Peer Tutoring, Michelle Berger
- Elementary Library, Janelle Deal
- AP Stats Update, Carrie Bricco
- In Second Grade, Cindy Futter
- Clubs and Extracurriculars
- Fall Drama
- National Honor Society
- Youth to Youth - Snack Shack
- Ski Club
- Intramurals
- Updates from HCS AD and Kitchen Service Manager, Ms. Levesque
- From The Desk Of . . . Michael D. Bastian, HCS Business Administrator
- Safety Information and Reminders
- ***Safe School Helpline
- ***Intersection of Code of Conduct, DASA and Title IX
- ***GoGuardian and Beacon Alerts
- Chain of Contact Document Link
- Employment Opportunities: Substitutes
- Partnering with PTA
- Updates from Community Partners
- **** Holiday Hometown Event Flyers
- Please Mark Your Calendars
At the Secondary Level...Notes and Updates From Mr. Schneckenburger
Class of 2023 Updates: Submitted by Class Advisors, Jamie Frusco Smith and Aimee Rose
Class of 2023 Details for District Newsletter
Senior Trip Updates
The seniors have voted to travel to Lake Placid for their Senior Trip. June 8th-11th 2023
A deposit is due to Group Tour Inc. by November 18th 2022
Senior T-Shirts Committee
A committee is meeting during lunch in Mrs. Rose’s room to design senior t-shirts, and we hope to have a design by Thanksgiving Break
Our Next Fundraiser
The seniors are planning to hold a Bottle and Can Drive in Lima (kingcashcans.com) and in Nickel and Dime Bottle Redemption Center in Bloomfield, NY. More details and dates to follow!
Cap, Gown, Graduation Announcements, and Class Rings
On January 11th, 2023, Jostens will present and start taking orders for caps and gowns, graduation announcements, and class rings. The meeting is at 1:00 P.M.
From the Desk of HCS Assistant Principal & Data Coordinator, Mr. Akers
Self Management and Coping
This month we are going to focus on self-management and coping strategies. Being able to recognize one’s own feelings, manage one’s behavior, and utilize strategies to cope when you are experiencing frustration or other intense emotions is important, especially when it comes to being a student. So let’s dive into what self-management is, what coping can look like, and discuss a few common strategies that can help guide your student in the right direction!
When I say “self-management”, I am discussing the ability for an individual to control their own actions or behaviors, even when faced with intense emotions such as anger, frustration, sadness, etc. Self-management is closely related to both self-awareness as well as our topic from September’s newsletter; executive functioning. Being able to regulate oneself is essential in both academic and social settings. When we become too upset, we struggle to think rationally because emotions have overtaken our ability to process information as we normally would. This can lead to disruptive or even aggressive behavior.
So how can students best cope before they get to this point or how do we help them cool off if they do get upset? The answer is person dependent! For some people, it looks like taking a quick break away from the situation. This could involve getting a drink of water, taking a walk, or sitting outside of the room for a couple of minutes. For other students it could include taking a quiet moment to engage in another task like drawing, using a fidget, or reading something short. This can help distract them and provide them with some emotional space away from what was upsetting them.
For students who aren’t able to regulate by themselves yet, they may need the help of an adult to assist them in coping. This is called co-regulation. For some students it can be helpful to focus on the environment they are in by using their senses. An adult can guide them through this practice. This can look like identifying 5 items they see in the room, then 4 things they can hear, picking out 3 objects they can touch, and 2 smells they notice. This helps bring the student’s focus in on the world around them rather than their own thoughts. Other students may need an adult to model how to take a break or take deep breaths. When students are first learning how to handle their emotions, talking to them when they are calm and practicing these strategies can help build muscle memory so they can use the strategies more easily when they are upset.
Since some of these strategies work well with some people and not as well with others, it is good to talk to your student and see what strategies they think will help them. That was a few tricks and tips related to self-management skills and coping strategies for students. Thank you for reading this month’s installment!
Updated Technology Resources and Support
The technology team is committed to supporting students and their families when it comes to instructional technology. As such, we have updated the Technology section of the HCS website to include additional resources and guides for Parent Square, School Tool, Chromebooks, and more! You will also find links to Family and Student Technology Help Request Forms.
Chromebook Repair and Maintenance
Students are responsible for the general care of the Chromebook they have been issued by the District. Chromebooks that are broken, or fail to work properly, must be taken to the Elementary or Secondary Library as soon as possible for repairs. A loaner Chromebook will be issued to the student until their device can be repaired or replaced. The District will repair or replace damaged Chromebooks as a result of normal use, however, intentional breakages requiring a replacement part will require a replacement cost to be paid. This will be the responsibility of the student’s family.
ViewSonic ViewBoards
ViewSonic Viewboards, interactive flat panel displays, are being utilized in over 30 HCS classrooms. These boards are powerful instructional tools that allow for interactive lessons and activities and can be used by both teachers and students. Check out how some classrooms are using the ViewBoards to elevate teaching and learning!
From the Desk of Tina Bush, Director of Pupil Personnel Services
Pre-Employment Transition Services Program:
Pre-ETS is accepting referrals for the 2022-2023 school year. As a reminder, our eligibility for the program is the following:
Students between the ages of 14 – 21.
Students enrolled in an educational setting which includes secondary school, homeschool, GED and colleges & universities.
Students who have a documented disability which can be documented through their IEP or 504 plan as well as physical noticing a diagnosis, letter from the school nurse or school counselor, psychological evaluation or other documentation. As a reminder, we can work with students with medical and mental health challenges that may be considered a barrier to employment who may not be a special education student.
Students who are not enrolled in ACCES-VR, but may potentially be eligible in the future.
If you are interested in enrolling your child in Pre-ETS at Wayne Finger Lakes BOCES, please reach out and we can discuss the referral as well as scheduling. Note, students can meet with Pre-ETS during traditional school hours, after school, school breaks and summer. There are many options.
Community Partner Updates:
We have several opportunities to learn as we engage families in transition topics over the next month. Please see below:
- ACCES-VR: Join Pre-ETS to learn more about the ACCES-VR program and services offered when a child is transitioning out of high school into either work or further education.
Monday, November 21st – Lunch and Learn (12pm – 1pm):
Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85312137782?pwd=QktYRVl0TlZES0ZYZHk4ZGJpRU9yUT09
Pre-registration is not required.
- Thursday, December 1st – Family University Event (7pm – 8pm): Please email petrea.rae@wflboces.org to pre-register.
Health Office Reminders & News from HCS School Nurse, Marybeth Tonkery
The Nurse's Office welcomes Rose Giancursio as our new part time Registered Nurse. Rose is a Honeoye resident and she comes to us with experience from Highland Hospital. Rose has been a substitute nurse at HCS since 2020 and on November 7th began her permanent position to assist with student needs. We are very excited to have her!
Childhood Lead Exposure Prevention
Public Health Law requires blood level testing by healthcare providers for children at the ages defined in Public Health Law, at age 1 years old and again at 2 years old. Public Health Law 1370-d requires childcare providers, public and private nursery schools, and preschools licensed, certified or approved by any state or local agency; to obtain from the parent/guardian- prior to or within three months of initial enrollment evidence that their child under the age of six years has been screened for lead. School Nurses can find this information on your child’s Physical Exam form provided by your child’s doctor. Another source is the NYSIIS (NYS Immunization Information System) that all NYS School Nurses have access to. Schools are required to provide parents with information on lead poisoning, prevention, risks and available programs if their child does not show evidence of having lead testing. Letters will be sent home to those individuals as necessary and information will be provided to our incoming UPK students annually.
The following information can also be found on The Nurse’s Office website:
(Honeoye.org>District>District Offices> Nurse’s Office>Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention):
What is childhood lead poisoning?
Studies show that no amount of lead exposure is safe for children. Lead is a metal that can harm children when it gets into their bodies. Lead can harm a young child's growth, behavior, and ability to learn. It can also cause anemia, kidney damage, and hearing loss. There are many sources of lead. Lead can be found in dust, air, water, soil, and in some products used in and around our homes.
Children younger than six years old are more likely to get lead poisoning than any other age group. Most often, children get lead poisoning from breathing in or swallowing dust from old lead paint. It can be found on floors and windowsills, hands, and toys. Lead can also be passed from pregnant person to baby during pregnancy.
Although lead poisoning is preventable, lead continues to be a major cause of poisoning among children. Thousands of children are still at risk. Learn more about what you can do to reduce the risks of lead poisoning to babies and young children.
When is lead tested? What do my child’s lead test results mean?
At each well-child visit, your health care provider should assess children 6 months to 6 years of age for risk of high lead exposure. Your health care providers may use a questionnaire to determine if your child is at higher risk of lead poisoning. If so, they may need a lead test. They may also refer children at higher risk for a blood test. If you don't know where to bring your child for testing, you can also call your local health department.
A lead test uses a small amount of blood taken from a finger prick or a vein. Blood can be drawn at a doctor's office, a hospital, a clinic, or a lab. Children with lead test results greater than 5 micrograms per deciliter may require additional follow-up actions to address possible sources of lead exposures.
How to protect children
Keep children away from peeling paint and broken plaster.
Wash their hands after play, before meals, and before bed to rinse off any lead dust or dirt.
Wash your child's toys often, especially teething toys. Learn more about product recalls including toys.
Use cold water - not hot - for infant formula or cooking. Let the cold water tap run for at least a minute before using to flush lead picked up from pipes. Learn more about lead in drinking water.
Store food from open cans in glass or plastic containers.
Use lead-free dishes. Some dishes may have lead in their glazes. Don't use chipped or cracked dishes to store or serve food.
Be careful with your hobbies. Some crafts call for use of paints, glazes and solder. Many of these may contain lead. Learn more about possible lead dangers while working on a hobby.
Don't bring lead home with you from work. People who work at construction, plumbing, painting, auto repair and certain other jobs can be exposed to lead. Learn more about possible lead dangers while working on a construction site.
Wash work clothes separately.
Keep children away from remodeling and renovation sites. Old paint can have lead in it.
Avoid having children play in soil especially around the foundations of older buildings and near roadways. Use a sandbox instead.
When windows are open in warm weather, wash the sills and window wells any time you see dust, but at least once a month.
Call your local health department for information about professionals who handle lead-based paint problems.
If you are a renter, the Residential Tenants’ Rights Guide can explain laws that can help you and provide resources to find more information about landlord and tenant issues, like lead.
Feed your family foods that get ahead of lead.
Foods high in iron, calcium and Vitamin C can help prevent lead poisoning:
Iron – Protects from the harmful effects of lead
Calcium – Makes it hard for lead to enter the body
Vitamin C – Helps the body absorb iron and calcium better
Learn about specific foods and tips.
What do healthcare providers do to manage and prevent lead poisoning?
New York State Public Health Law and Regulations require health care providers to:
Obtain a blood lead test for all children at age 1 and again at age 2.
Assess all children ages 6 months to 6 years for risk of lead exposure. This needs to be done at least annually as part of routine care. They may also get a blood lead test on all children found to be at risk.
If a child has an elevated lead level, the health care provider must make certain the child has appropriate follow-up testing and medical management. Providers must also provide guidance on lead poisoning prevention and risk reduction.
Provide anticipatory lead exposure prevention guidance to all parents of children under six years old, as part of routine care.
Health care providers, please note as of October 1, 2019 guidelines for blood lead levels have changed.
What is New York State doing to end childhood lead poisoning?
Great progress has been made, but lead is still a threat to many children. The NYS DOH has strong programs, plans and laws working to prevent childhood lead poisoning statewide. These programs also help those children who have lead poisoning. Local health departments identify new cases, provide care coordination and environmental case management and in-home visits to help families reduce their environmental risks. The Advisory Council on Lead Poisoning Prevention provides guidance to the NYS DOH concerning development of these programs, plans, and laws.Scribbles from the School Social Worker
November Happenings
Teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA) is in its final week for 10th graders in health classes! Students have learned the Teen Mental Health First Aid Action plan, and are now trained to respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among their peers. In this session, 27 students participated, and 20 students will receive certification as a Teen Mental Health First Aider! We look forward to holding another six week section of tMHFA in the Spring.
Spotlight on Council on Alcoholism and Addictions of the Finger Lakes:
HCS was thrilled to welcome representatives from the Council on Alcoholism and Addictions of the Finger Lakes to K-12 lunches last month! Students learned information regarding substance use and gambling prevention, and received fun swag!
Looking Ahead:
Monthly Spotlights: HCS is excited to launch community organization spotlights during secondary lunches. These events will raise awareness for challenges faced by our school community and beyond, and connect students with resources to provide support.
November is National Career Development Month. Representatives from Ontario County Workforce Development will be setting up a table in the Cafeteria during Middle and High School lunches on November 18th. Mr. Akers will also be leading activities in the cafeteria for K-12 students.
December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. Representatives from the Ontario County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition will be in the cafeteria during Middle and High School Lunches on December 16th. Mr. Akers will also be leading activities in the cafeteria for K-12 students.
Holiday and Winter Assistance Programs: The winter season can come with additional financial stressors. See below for several area resources to help support additional expenses, if needed!
Toys for Tots: Toys for Tots strives to provide toys and gifts for families during the holiday season. They will be holding a toy distribution on Tuesday, December 13th and Wednesday, December 14th from 12:00pm-8:00pm at the Mendon Community Center. When you arrive, bring proof of residency in Ontario County, and let the volunteers know that you were sent from Honeoye CSD.
Honeoye Community Food Pantry: In addition to regular open hours on the first Saturday of every month, the Honeoye Community Food Pantry will be holding Thanksgiving and Christmas basket food distributions. The Thanksgiving basket distribution will be held on Saturday, November 19th from 9:00-10:30 am, and the Christmas basket distribution will be held on Saturday, December 17th from 9:00-10:30 am. Please bring proof of residency in the Honeoye Central School District.
Honeoye CSD Community Partners: The Honeoye Community is lucky to have several area businesses who partner with us to support families during the holiday season. If you are in need of support this holiday season (food, gifts, etc.), please reach out to myself (molly.perrin@honeoye.org) or Kathy Hoertz (kathy.hoertz@honeoye.org).
St. Vincent de Paul Clothing Room: The St. Vincent De Paul Society clothing room is open Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10:00am-12:30pm. Ontario County residents may select clothing, including new and gently used coats and boots, as well as household goods during one shopping visit per week. The clothing room is located at 120 N. Main Street Canandaigua, NY 14424.
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP): HEAP is a federally funded energy assistance program to help low income families meet their energy costs. Eligibility for the program is based on income) and housing situation. Individuals must either pay directly for heating costs or pay rent that includes heating costs to be eligible.
Ongoing Learning Opportunities for Families
Mid-West FACE Center-Agency 101 Spotlights- Monthly on Tuesdays @ 12:00pm: Families, caregivers and professionals who support students with disabilities can learn about eligibility requirements, available supports, and the referral process for different programs and agencies in the area.
Wayne Finger Lakes BOCES- Fall Family University- First Thursday of each month @ 7:00 pm: Provides families and caregivers with information regarding special education services, including legal rights in the special education process, workforce development opportunities, and financial aid information.
Triple P- Positive Parenting Program- Scheduled in Individual and Group Sessions: Offers families individualized opportunities to develop positive relationships, encourage desirable behavior, and teach new skills and behaviors to children and teens.
ACCES-VR Lunch and Learn- Monday, November 21st @ 12:00pm: Learn more about vocational rehabilitation and pre-employment transition services for students with disabilities.
Community Resource of the Month
Ontario County Workforce Development: Youth program supports students and adults in finding employment by providing support in resume writing, interview coaching, job training, and more!
HCS Community Resource Guide
The HCS Community Resource Guide is continually updated, and contains information about mental health, medical, food, and financial resources that are accessible to you throughout Ontario County, and beyond. Feel free to reach out with any questions, or if you would like support in connecting with area resources!
Feel free to reach out to me at any time- I would love to connect with you!
Best,
Molly Perrin
School Social Worker
Honeoye Central School District
(585) 229-5171 Ext. 2066
Counselors' Corner
October was a busy month for us in the Counseling Department and we aren't slowing down now! Mrs.VanLare recently went into Social Studies classes to talk with Freshmen about graduation requirements and how credit accrual works in the high school. We covered several topics including graduation credit requirements, Regents exams, and the role of the high school Counselor!
Additionally, we hosted a Financial Aid Night in collaboration with FLCC's Financial Aid Department on November 14th.
REMINDER: Finger Lakes Community College Financial Aid Day
- (NOT JUST FOR FLCC STUDENTS)
9:00 AM until 3:00 PM
Finger Lakes Community College
Student Center, Stage 14
3325 Marvin Sands Dr
Canandaigua, NY 14424
FLCC staff will provide students and their families with assistance in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online. The FAFSA is the required first step to receiving any federal or state loans or grants, including the New York State Excelsior Scholarship. After a brief introduction to the financial aid process, guests will convene in a computer lab to complete the FAFSA form. The event is open to all regardless of which colleges students plan to attend. Entry is free, but registration is required. Those who register will receive detailed information on what documents to bring.
Register here: https://engage.suny.edu/register/?id=15c1ec8b-b9ee-4044-81d3-2b90bf56619d
HCS Prevention Educator.
Hi! My name is Nicole Drost! I am the Honeoye Central School Prevention Educator. I work with students/classrooms at all grade levels.
Our Red Ribbon Week here at The Pound was amazing! Dr. Dan Ofstein (from The Council on Alcoholism and Addictions of the Finger Lakes) and I enjoyed getting to know your children, sharing how it's THE COOLEST to live a drug free lifestyle, and handing out Red Ribbon Week swag.
If you have any questions, please email me at nicole.drost@honeoye.org or call me at 585-229-5171 ext. 2019
Respectfully,
Nicole Drost
HCS Multi Tiered System of Supports, Attendance: Kaitlin Iati-Lafave, MTSS Coordinator
It’s Important to Be to School On Time!
Students arriving at school on time are able to settle in, greet their teachers and classmates, select preferred classwork, and focus their minds on the lessons to come. Students arriving late miss out on this natural transition period, and chronic tardiness may cause students to struggle with academic focus and relationships with peers. Showing up on time to school every day can help students develop the habit of being punctual, illustrates to them your commitment to their learning and friendships, and helps reduce classroom interruptions and distractions for all students. Missing just 15 minutes of school twice a week equates to 3 missed school days per year!
As we near the new year and a fresh start, we ask all Honeoye families to make a renewed commitment to arriving on time. This helps your child, their teachers, and their classmates. If you would like tips on smoothing out your family's morning routine, please reach out to your student’s guidance counselor or myself, at kaitlin.lafave@honeoye.org.
Learning and Literacy: Alison Farrell, Literacy Coach
Learning and Literacy: Alison Farrell, Literacy Coach
Have you ever found yourself baffled by the terms and abbreviations tossed around in education? Have you walked away from parent-teacher conferences or scanned your child’s report card, still wondering what all these terms really say about your child’s reading and writing progress?
You are not alone! Even the term “literacy” can cause some confusion! Here is a well written glossary of terms related to literacy: reading, writing, speaking, listening.
Literacy Terms Defined for Parents (Printable List of words and definitions)
This Reading Mama (This site has many quality resources for reading and writing).
If you’d like to know more about literacy terms, especially what they say about instruction and your child’s progress, I’d be happy to talk with you.
Happy Reading!
Alison Farrell
Literacy Coach
From the Music Department...
On Deck at HCS Secondary School...Peer Tutoring
This year, HCS is implementing a peer tutoring program with Michelle Berger as the advisor. This program pairs a 9-12th grade student with a 6-12th grade student who needs academic support. Students will be matched with appropriate tutors to work on assignments and to build skills. Tutors will attend a training workshop where they will learn about the expectations and strategies they can use. Tutoring sessions will be supervised by an adult.
If you are interested in having your child work with a tutor to increase their academic knowledge and achievement, please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/4fSQu4wxcYSeHhLQ7. You may contact Mrs. Berger at mberger@honeoye.org with any questions. We are looking forward to a successful launch to the program after Thanksgiving!
Elementary Library Update
Greetings from the Elementary Library! My name is Janelle Deal, the Elementary Librarian a.k.a. Library Media Specialist. Also in our Library is Library Assistant, Robin Behil. We thoroughly enjoy our time with your UPK - Fifth Graders and believe kids need ALL kinds of books. What I'd like you to know most about me is that I firmly believe in the National Education Association's message (NEA Website). Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop created the phrase, in 1990, of “Windows, Mirrors and Sliding Glass Doors” and it still rings truer than true today. The focus is "empowering student voice, fostering inclusiveness, activating young citizens, celebrating indigenous people, exploring identity, exploring families and history, practicing empathy, cultivating compassion, inspiring stewardship, developing passion & perseverance, promoting respect, and building community." (WOW! What a list!) My door is open for any conversations, concerns, and thoughts about what your child is reading. Please reach out at any time!
In another timely note: A special thanks to all the HCS families, community members, and staff who support our 5th Grade Library Club’s Scholastic Book Fair. The Fall Book Fair helps fund the Bulldogs Read TShirts put together by the Library Club in the Spring. These are given to ALL elementary students and staff free of charge to promote unity and Bulldog Spirit. Some years, Book Fairs that make a larger profit also help us with costs of an Author Visit. By having this fair, it also allows us to hold a Spring Buy 1, Get 1 Book Fair that goes right back to our supporters (YOU!) as our profits are those FREE books. A HUGE thank you goes to our 2022 Fall Book Fair volunteers: Mrs. Healy, Mrs. Cornish, Mrs. Schneider, Mr. Davis, Mrs. Brunk, Mrs. Johnstone, Mrs. Roper, Library Club kiddos, and our various NHS and Youth to Youth volunteers. We could not have done it without you. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
As always, happy reading!
~Ms. Deal
Resource of Quote referenced:
Read Across America: FAQ. (2022, November 16). National Education Association. https://www.nea.org/resource-library/read-across-america-frequently-asked-questions
AP Stats Update By Carrie Bricco
Students in AP Statistics recently completed a unit on describing relationships with Two-Variable Data, and the finale of the unit involved dropping Barbies, attached with a string of rubber bands, from Mr. Bunce’s second floor window. Students used their knowledge of linear regression, residuals, residual plots, transforming nonlinear data, and correlation coefficients to determine the exact number of rubber bands needed to get their Barbie as close to the ground as possible without touching. The results were captured with slo-mo videos, and McKayla Johnson was declared the winner. All had a great time (Barbies and the students, that is)!
Picture 1: McKayla Johnson, Ajay Merrick, and Charlie Sherman show off their mathematical tools.
Video 1 and 2: The winning two drops recorded in video
In Second Grade...
Fall Drama, Submitted by Mrs. Covey
At one of our earlier rehearsals, the cast and crew of “The Diary of Anne Frank”, attended a presentation that was held at Honeoye and presented by a gentleman that was directly involved with the events of the Holocaust. During his visit he shared the experience that his mother and father had while working with the polish resistance. This presentation was especially appealing to the cast because Mr. Alman is a resident of Honeoye and an author who has recently written a book titled Miracles through Hell, where he talked about his parents who were both direct survivors of the Holocaust. He shared that he had grown up with PTSD as his parents did not speak of their experiences during the Holocaust, such as the deaths of many of his relatives. We all found his presentation to be very informative and were grateful for all that Mr. Alman shared with us. We were also thankful that he has offered to share several items of his family’s Jewish faith that we will be using on the stage during our performances. Mr. Alman and his wife will be attending one of the shows which we feel is a great honor.
Lastly, right before our first performance, we were able to perform a “teaser” for the 4th and 5th graders and the MS/HS. Prior to the teasers, Mrs. Covey’s 2nd grade class was able to read and learn all about Anne Frank and the hope that she brought to the world, telling her beautiful stories through her diary. The classes were also given the opportunity to have a Q&A time with the cast and crew, as well as, a tour of the entire set. Here, we talked about how the “set” is directly related to the setting of this story. This reinforced many of the reading skills that we are learning in class. We talked about the cast or “characters” in the story, the setting and the theme.
We are hoping that offering these opportunities to the younger students will aide in the growth of the Drama Department. We can’t wait to see some of these younger students in future performances here at Honeoye Central School.
National Honor Society News, Submitted by Carter Bunce
The Onagadeca Chapter of National Honor Society at Honeoye Central School will be hosting its second Red Cross Blood Drive on Wednesday, February 15, 2023. Appointments are available between 8:00 AM and 2:30 PM. Please sign up to donate blood, you can help save lives and earn scholarship money for deserving HCS students!
For more information please contact Carter Bunce (NHS Advisor) at carter.bunce@honeoye.org]
The Snack Shack! Submitted by HCS Student, Katelyn Reynolds
Youth-to-Youth is an organization dedicated to helping our community. The club’s most recent project is the Snack Shack – run by student volunteers selling a range of food in the lobby after school. From 2-2:30, students and staff have an opportunity to support the Snack Shack by purchasing from the array of snacks such as Pop Tarts, granola bars, popcorn, and on Wednesdays, specials like Ramen, personal pizzas, and mac & cheese; all proceeds are donated to non-profit organizations. Last year, Snack Shack donated $1,000 to organizations such as World Central Kitchen, Chances and Changes, Aidan Mike Camp Stella Maris Scholarship Fund, and the Trevor Project. The Snack Shack allows students to watch their work helps to better our community, one Pop Tart at a time.
For more information email: phensler@honeoye.org or lbarefoot@honeoye.org
Youth-to-Youth Info
Throughout the year, Youth-to-Youth hosts an abundance of fundraisers students can participate in: collecting blankets and clothing for the Mercy House and Open Door Mission, the can-drive for Honeoye’s Food Pantry, organizing spirit weeks such as Red Ribbon week to spread awareness about drug abuse, and simply caroling around Honeoye to spread holiday cheer. If interested, see Mrs. Hensler or Mrs. Barefoot.
Upcoming Fundraiser: Winter Clothing Drive!
The upcoming fundraiser is for the Mercy House and Open Door Mission. As temperatures drop, warm clothes become treasured items, and New York is notorious for freezing days and heavy snowfall. By donating old coats, boots, and other warm attire, piled unused in your closet, you can help make someone’s winter easier.
HCS Ski/Snowboard Club, Submitted by Jenna Flynn
HCS is excited to announce that Ski/Snowboard Club will be offered to students in grades 6-12 this winter. Family members and elementary students may also purchase the tickets at a discounted rate, but will need to find their own transportation.
School transportation will be provided to students in grades 6-12:
- January 3
- January 10
- January 17
- January 24
- January 31
- February 7
PURCHASE ONLINE: https://store.bristolmountain.com/E-Commerce/grplogin2.aspx
The CLUB NAME is: HONEOYCTRL
The PASSWORD for students and parents is: honeoyctrl22
When purchasing the Snowsport Club Pass, the pass allows ticket holders to ski/snowboard any Tuesday evening (3pm-close) from Dec. 20-March 7, 2023.
1) Click here to read the Parent Program Guide.
2) Click here to purchase the Snowsport Club Passes. (If your child already has a season pass, please sign in and mark that option.)
3) Click here to complete the Honeoye parent/guardian Google Form for students in grades 6-12 receiving school transportation.
If financial resources are an obstacle for your child, scholarships are available. The application can be found here: https://airtable.com/shrhIk18dIaqeaQxo . More information on the Scott Delforte Foundation can be found here: https://sd40foundation.org/ .
Please reach out to Jenna Flynn (jflynn@honeoye.org) with any questions. We are hoping to have a great first year on the mountain!
HCS Middle & High School Intramural Programs for November
Below is a list of the intramural programs offered in November for both middle and high school students. The programs are all free, after-school activities (2:15-3:15) and can be attended on a flexible basis.
- Fitness Room Everyday (M-F) Mr. Moran & Mr. Stewart pmoran@honeoye.org bstewart@honeoye.org
- Fantasy Games Every Monday starting Oct. 31 - Mr. Dalmatddalmat@honeoye.org
- Lacrosse Nov. 2, 7, 9, 14-17, 29, 30, Dec. 2 Mrs. Pezzimentirpezzimenti@honeoye.org
Notes from HCS AD and Kitchen Service Manager, Amiee Levesque
FALL ATHLETICS SPOTLIGHT:
Varsity Cross Country
League All-Stars
Clare Griffin
Iris Jerome
Aisha Randall
Kate Reynolds
Evan Miller
- Girls XC Wayne Finger Lakes West Champions and Wayne Finger Lakes League Champions!
- Sectionals: Girls Varsity took 4th Place in Class D
- Boys Varsity XC Runner-up Class D2
Section V Patch Winners:
Evan Miller
Charlie Sherman
Chris Morse
Boys Varsity Soccer
Honorable Mention Finger Lakes West All-Stars
Henry Sherman
John Blair
2nd Team Finger Lakes West All-Stars
Evan Cuba
Owen Reynolds
Cooper Pulver
1st Team Finger Lakes West All-Stars
Luke Armstrong
Owen Baader
Varsity Girls Soccer
1st Team Finger Lakes West All-Stars
Sydney Pulver
Alexa Colon
2nd Team Finger Lakes West All-Stars
Ashley Thomas
Kendra Scheele
Honorable Mention Finger Lakes West All-Stars
Leah Green
Alyssa Bailey
WINTER COACHES 2022-2023
- Mod Girls Basketball: Jenna Flynn jflynn@honeoye.org
- Mod Boys Basketball: Patti Morsheimer pmorsheimer@honeoye.org
- JV Girls Basketball: Sara Tompkins stompkins@honeoye.org
- Varsity Girls Basketball: Don Gardner dgardner@honeoye.org
- Varsity Boys Basketball: Robb Delisanti robbdelisanti@yahoo.com
- Mod Boys & Girls Indoor Track: Linda Piacente lpiacente@honeoye.org
- Varsity Girls Indoor Track: Pat Moran pmo@honeoye.org
- Varsity Boys Indoor track: Bob Stewart bstewart1@honeoye.org
- ModA Cheerleading: Karen Emmerling Karen.e.emmerling@gmail.com
- Varsity Cheerleading: Kathy Karle kwalsh@honeoye.org
- Boys Biddy Basketball: Rob Delisanti robbdelisanti@yahoo.com
- Girls Biddy Basketball: Don Gardner dgardner@honeoye.org
- Varsity Boys & Girls Bowling: Craig Vary cvary@honeoye.org
Athletics Schedules
- To view athletic schedules for the 2022-2023 season, you can click on the HCS website and then click Athletics.
- From there click the athletic calendar followed by the athletic schedules option.
- You can then individually click each sports team's schedule.
Families may find information about the following on the District Website link below...
- Athletics Registration
- Athletic Handbook
- Bulldog Gear Athletic Store
- Athletics Calendar
- APP Process
Athletes and Families May Access Winter Athletics TENTATIVE Schedule Below... Note: Subject to change!
Food Service Information
To access the Food Service website for the Honeoye Central School District, do as follows:
- Click District Offices,
- Click on Food Service.
- Once on the Food Service page you can find any of the following: The Free & Reduced Meal application, Access to myschoolbucks (online lunch account funds) and lastly the monthly meal options/menu.
From The Desk Of . . . Michael D. Bastian, HCS Business Administrator
As the month of November comes to a close, the HCS Business Department has completed traditional autumn tasks related to school tax collection, prior year auditing, state aid reporting, grant program requirements and state transparency reporting. We are now gearing up for winter work which includes preparation and planning for the annual budget vote in May. Over the course of the next four months, we will collaborate with directors, department chairs, administrators and other stakeholders to build the 2023-2024 school budget. In early November, the HCS Board of Education adopted a Budget Development Timeline/Calendar which serves as the roadmap for this important work. A copy of that timeline can be found within the “Budget” tab under the “District” menu or by clicking here.
Our operational departments (maintenance, transportation and food service) are also transitioning to winter operations and seasonal tasks:
Our Buildings & Grounds team is working diligently to ensure that the building is warm and inviting, that the parking lots and sidewalks are clear, and that instructional and activity spaces are clean and safe for our students and staff. Gary Shaffer and his staff continue to rise to the daily surprises and planned projects that come with managing and maintaining a building our size.
Our Transportation department is covering all its bases to ensure continuous service on all daily routes as well as on athletic and extracurricular runs. There’s a great deal that goes into covering all of our transportation needs and Ray Thomas and his team continue to show their flexibility in keeping us on the road.
Our Food Service crew is eagerly awaiting the installation of a new commercial-grade dishwashing rack system that was purchased using funds from a federal kitchen equipment grant we were awarded for the first time ever last year. The HCS kitchen continues to offer our student and staff customers appealing and satisfying meal choices at breakfast and lunch. Thank you to Amiee and her team for their on-going efforts in the kitchen.
Sincerely,
Michael D. Bastian
HCS Business Administrator
For Your Continued Information and Access...
Safe School Helpline
How can I report information?
Call: 1-800-4-1-VOICE ext. 359
(1-800-418-6423 ext.359)
Text: 66746, TIPS
Online at: https://www.safeschoolhelpline.com/
Please watch the below video to learn more about the Safe School Helpline:
Intersection of Code of Conduct, DASA and Title IX
HCS Code of Conduct:
- Per SED, the Board of Education of every school district within New York State is required to adopt and amend, as appropriate, a Code of Conduct for the maintenance of order on school property, including a school function, which shall govern the conduct of students, teachers and other school personnel as well as visitors and shall provide for the enforcement thereof.
- Any and all student misconduct may be investigated and enforced under the district’s Code of Conduct. Investigation and enforcement of Code of Conduct violations is the responsibility of building level administration, and may be supported by a Dean of Students and/or other support staff.
- During the Spring of 2022, the HCS administration team invested dedicated time engaging in professional learning specific to student discipline for “higher level” offenses and calibrating responses to such. The Code of Conduct articulates the range of progressive dispositions for offenses, and we are striving for consistency in its application.
- The DASA legislation is intended to provide students with a safe and supportive environment free from discrimination, intimidation, taunting, harassment, and bullying on school property, a school bus and/or at a school function. Please review the above link for more information on DASA.
- Protected classes in the DASA legislation include: race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender, and sex.
- Behaviors outlined in DASA are also identified as prohibited student conduct within the HCS Code of Conduct (Section VIII, E4, E5 & E7). As such, any such misconduct may be investigated and enforced under the district’s Code of Conduct.
- Please report any DASA concerns as outlined below:
- Contact your building level administrator. Both Mrs. Pfluke and Mr. Schneckenburger welcome and encourage direct and open lines of communication with students and families.
- Tell a trusted adult, such as any member of the mental health staff or a teacher. School personnel are required to notify an administrator in the event of such a report.
- Complete the HCS Incident Reporting Form. Building principals actively monitor this tool for reports of peer conflict, misconduct, bullying, and/or harassment.
- District appointed DASA Coordinators conduct DASA investigations. Our HCS DASA Coordinators include the following staff members:
- Nate Schneckenburger, Secondary Principal
- Natalie Pfluke, Elementary Principal
- Andrea Johnson, School Psychologist
- Rachael Davis, School Psychologist
- While the DASA Coordinator may conduct the investigation, our building level administrators are responsible for disposition of any "founded" DASA complaint.
- Title IX is a federal law which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex and provides, “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” Please review the above link for more information.
- In August 2020, the U.S. Department of Education adopted new regulations to revise the definition of sexual harassment prohibited under Title IX, and also created new procedures for investigating allegations of sexual harassment covered by Title IX.
- Behaviors outlined in Title IX are also identified as prohibited student conduct within the HCS Code of Conduct (Section VIII, E6). As such, any such misconduct may be investigated and enforced under the district’s Code of Conduct.
- Please note, however, in the event of a report of sexual harassment, the family of a student victim will be contacted by a district appointed Title IX Coordinator to discuss investigation options, time parameters for a formal Title IX investigation, and other considerations (such as confidentiality) of such an investigation.
- In the event a Title IX complaint is filed, the family of the alleged offender will also be contacted by district appointed Title IX Coordinator to discuss the investigation, time parameters and other considerations.
- Our HCS Title IX Coordinators include:
- Natalie Pfluke, Elementary Principal
- Nathan Schneckenburger, Secondary Principal
- Questions about Title IX information may be directed to the individuals named above or to titleixcoordinator@honeoye.org.
- Title IX concerns should be reported as previously outlined above (and reinforced here):
- Contact your building level administrator. Both Mrs. Pfluke and Mr. Schneckenburger welcome and encourage direct and open lines of communication with students and families. As Title IX Investigators, they also are “the lead” in any investigation and/or development of action steps to redress issues.
- Tell a trusted adult, such as any member of the mental health staff or a teacher. School personnel are required to notify an administrator in the event of such a report.
- Complete the HCS Incident Reporting Form. Building principals actively monitor this tool for reports of peer conflict, misconduct, bullying, and/or harassment.
- Building level administrators are responsible for the disposition of any "founded" Title IX complaint.
Go Guardian and Beacon Alerts
To support student safety and encourage scholarly behaviors when using devices, the Honeoye Central School District incorporated online services provided by GoGuardian a number of years ago. It may be helpful to know that over 10,000 other schools use GoGuardian to protect 5.5 million students across the world, and the Global Educator Institute has endorsed the GoGuardian Teacher product.
How are we using GoGuardian?
- HCS has chosen GoGuardian Beacon and GoGuardian Teacher services to:
- Help protect students against harmful and inappropriate online material
- Help students stay “scholarly” and more focused when learning online
- Help assess students’ progress towards class assignments
When and how does GoGuardian operate?
- GoGuardian’s web-based services operate on our school’s managed G Suite for Education Chrome accounts (i.e. when a student is logged into Chrome or a Chromebook with his/her school email address).
- GoGuardian Teacher enables teachers to use GoGuardian Teacher with students in their classes only during school hours from Monday through Friday.
- GoGuardian Beacon enables the district to monitor student usage 24/7. When Beacon detects that a student is browsing content related to Self-Harm or Suicide, a notification will be sent to users in order of the Escalation List up to five times or until an action is taken on the alert card. Disclaimer: Regardless of school monitoring specific to reference of self harm, it is simply not possible to catch all activity. Parents maintain responsibility to supervise their children’s use of devices.
What are the school’s responsibilities?
- HCS selected GoGuardian services to help our students stay safer and more scholarly online. We will work with students during class time to help teach them digital responsibility and safety. Additionally, we will train teachers about how to operate GoGuardian and about our policies and procedures to help protect student privacy.
What are my parental/guardian and child’s responsibilities?
- We ask that students uses their school-managed Google accounts and school-managed devices for educational purposes within the boundaries of the HCS Acceptable Use Policy and Agreement.
- When a student is off campus, parents are responsible for supervising internet access and usage. We encourage you to discuss rules for appropriate internet usage with your child, and to reinforce lessons of digital citizenship and safety with him or her. We also highly encourage you to report any potential cyberbullying or other sensitive issues to us.
How does GoGuardian help protect my child’s privacy?
- To help your child remain scholarly and safe online, GoGuardian collects certain personally identifiable information about your child.
- GoGuardian has consulted with privacy experts, participates in privacy organizations, is a proud signatory of the Student Privacy Pledge, and has been awarded certifications by iKeepSafe for complying with both the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act and California student privacy laws. For more detailed information about GoGuardian, you may visit GoGuardian’s website, Trust & Privacy Center, GoGuardian’s Product Privacy Policy, and the attached COPPA Notice and Disclosure Form.
Help Wanted: Substitutes Spanning Instructional and Operational Areas
The Honeoye Central School is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is currently seeking to hire SUBSTITUTES in the following areas:
• School Nurse
• Teachers
• Teacher Assistants
• Monitors (Hall/Cafeteria/Transportation)
• Bus Drivers
• Cleaners
• Food Service Workers
Please complete the application on the Ontario County Civil Service Employment Portal.
- Web address: https://ontario-portal.mycivilservice.com
For Questions, Contact:
- Jennifer Green Phone: (585) 229-5171, Email: jennifer.green@honeoye.org
Links:
- Civil Service Application (164.98 KB)
- Substitute Posting (22.97 KB)
Partnering with PTA
Board of Education Visits to HCS
February 9 - ES BOE Visit
March 9 -MSHS BOE Visit
2022-23 Board of Education Meetings
BOE Meeting Dates, 6:30 @LGI
September 7
September 21 (Auditor's Report)
October 12
November 2,
November 16
December 7
January 4
January 18
February 1
February 15
March 1
March15 (Budget focus)
April 12 (Budget focus)
April 26 (Board Adoption of Tax Rate)
May 3 (Budget Hearing)
May 17 (Budget Vote)
June 7
How to Reach Me...
Email: bridget.ashton@honeoye.org
Website: https://www.honeoye.org/
Location: 8528 Main Street, Honeoye, NY, USA
Phone: 585-229-4110
Twitter: @EBridgetAshton