Honeoye Central School District
Monthly Newsletter ~ AUGUST 2022
Greetings and WELCOME BACK!
It is my sincerest hope that all of you had the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful weather and quality time with your children this summer. In just a few short weeks, we will open the doors to begin another great year of learning at the Honeoye Central School District! Our incredible faculty and staff have been working hard in preparation for students... We cannot wait to launch the 2022-23 academic year!
CLASSES BEGIN for K-12 STUDENTS: WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
CLASSES BEGIN for PreK STUDENTS: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9
HCS has been a very busy place this summer! Heartfelt gratitude to each of our twelve month staff members for their tireless efforts to ready for the 2022-23 school year.
- Kate VanLare and Evan Carrier have been working tirelessly to ensure that Master Schedules and programming best meet the needs of all HCS students.
- Kathy Hoertz, Sonia Stigler, Kat Chrysler, Jillian Impey and Jennifer Green have been coordinating opening of school information to ensure families and staff are provided all the necessary information for a successful start to the school year.
- Mrs. Asquino and the technology team have been working to develop an efficient plan for distribution of devices and to close the loop on requisitions and installation of NUMEROUS in progress projects (vape sensors, LGI enhancements, view sonic boards, teacher adapters, etc).
- The HCS maintenance team has been building walls, sealing pavement, painting, moving furniture and classrooms, cleaning and polishing. Spoiler Alert: Cannot wait for folks to see the LGI and secondary office. Our facility is looking incredible and reflects the tangible pride this community has for education and learning.
- Teachers and staff have engaged in a tremendous amount of professional learning, collaboration and collegiality this summer.
- District and building level leadership have engaged in futuring activity and discussion around district priorities, professional development, HCS Communication Plan, HCS Athletic & Extracurricular Handbook, MTSS and AIS at HCS, and much more!
Included within this communication is a plethora of important information:
- Welcome Back Bash Invite
- Strategic Planning Forum Invite
- Parent Feedback Request
- Building Level Communications
- Device Distribution
- Chain of Contact
- Athletic and Extracurricular Handbook
- For Informational Purposes: Intersection of Code of Conduct, DASA and Title IX
- For Informational Purposes: MTSS at HCS
- Mark Your Calendar...Important Dates
COVID Related Update
We anticipate a NYSDOH COVID guidance for schools to be released sometime next week. It is expected that unless there is something unforeseen, it will mirror the newly released CDC guidance:
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7133e1.htm?s_cid=mm7133e1_w
Cliff Notes:
- If COVID positive, isolate for at least five days.
- If COVID symptoms are improved and no fever for 24 hours without fever reducing meds, an individual may return but should wear a mask through day 10 when in public or around others.
- No more quarantine or contact tracing except for in medical / health care facilities.
- No distancing recommendations.
- No test to stay.
- No masking requirements in school.
The HCS leadership team will review the guidance upon receipt and share relevant information and updates as applicable.
HoneoyePROUD
HCS has proven that we will not allow anything to deter us from reaching our full potential in advocacy of our students. We have faced challenges, learned and grown immeasurably as a district the last few years as we navigated the COVID global pandemic. Our collective work and success in the most trying of circumstances is suggestive of a team and community that will embrace the ”relentless hustle” of the 2022-23 school year with utmost #bulldogpride, spirit and unity. Thank you for your support of the Honeoye Central School District as we prepare to welcome back our Bulldogs on September 7.
As always, if you have any questions about the information in this letter, or otherwise, please feel free to reach out to me. I sincerely hope that you enjoy the remainder of the summer with family and friends!
Bridget
Elizabeth Bridget Ashton
Superintendent, Honeoye Central School District
8528 Main Street
Honeoye, New York 14471
On Twitter: @EBridgetAshton
Save the Date: Welcome Back Bash Scheduled for Sept 1!
HCS could not be more excited to invite our students and families to our first annual Welcome Back Bash on September 1, 2022 from 5:00 - 8:30. This event is scheduled to run concurrently with Open House so that our Bulldogs may visit campus, connect with teachers, and enjoy some food and festivity together before we officially launch the 2022-23 school year. Welcome Back Bash activities include (but are not limited to):
K-12 Open House, 6:00 - 7:30pm
Food
Hot dogs and snacks from local places for families, compliments of Rotary, PTA and The Birdhouse ~ While supplies last...
Chicken BBQ Fundraiser, sponsored by LOTE Department
Live music
Opportunity to meet the HCS Bulldog Mascot
Movie in the Auditorium, 7:00 - 8:30pm
“Once loved” swap exchange of clothes, Bulldog gear, school supplies and sports equipment in the secondary gymnasium
- Free back to school haircuts...for kids, compliments of local stylists. Time slots limited. If interested, sign up in advance here.
- Photo Booth
- Face Painting
- Therapy Dogs
- More FUN including: ISpy - ES playground edition, yard games, community art project, yoga, carnival games, and more!
A plethora of informational tables, including but not limited to:
- HCS Extracurriculars
- HCS Technology
- HCS Food Service
- HCS Athletics
- HCS PTA
- Public Libraries
- Ontario County Sheriff
- Richmond Fire Department
- Council on Alcoholism and Addiction of the Finger Lakes
- Health Navigator
- Ontario County Workforce Development
- Partnership for Ontario County
- Richmond Recreation
- And so many more...
Welcome Back Bash Site Map
Strategic Planning Forum: HCS District Priorities & Communication Plan
Just as a district's budget is the numerical expression of a district's vision, a strategic plan is an important tool because it provides a roadmap for desired outcomes. I am proud of the collaborative effort engaged in to produce the A Path Forward, Strategic Planning at HCS Plan. I am appreciative of the faculty, staff members, parents, students and administration who have participated and contributed to the development of priority areas and action items.
Additionally, in response to feedback obtained from multiple stakeholders, data obtained from the Community Partnership Profile: Communication Survey (distributed Spring of 2022), and insights from the WFL BOCES Public Relations and Communications team, HCS is proud to have developed a Communication Plan draft for the district.
The HCS Instructional Leadership Team will be hosting an in person forum for interested PreK-12 parents and secondary students on Tuesday, October 4, from 6:00 - 8:00. The purpose of this forum is threefold:
- To briefly provide updates on federal stimulus allocations to the district
- To review and obtain input for consideration of additional strategic action items specific to the district's four priority areas:
- Student achievement,
- Safe and supportive learning environment,
- Community partnership, and
- Fiscal stewardship.
- To review and receive feedback on the HCS Communication Plan.
FEEDBACK NEEDED ASAP - Parental Involvement Survey for SPP Indicator #8
Just a quick reminder to fill out the Parental Involvement Survey for SPP Indicator #8. We have two weeks left to complete the survey and this information is important to our district in helping us improve services for students with disabilities. Our school district is working with the New York State Education Department (NYSED) to collect information on how we help you and other parents of students with disabilities to be involved in their children’s education. Parents from school districts throughout the State are completing the same survey. NYSED is working with the Potsdam Institute for Applied Research (PIAR) at SUNY Potsdam, an independent research firm, to collect the information.
Your answers to the survey are very important to us. They will help us identify how well we work with parents in order to improve services and results for all our students with disabilities. No one from our school district will see how you answered the questions. PIAR will compile the results of the surveys from all our parents and the results will be available to you in a public report issued by NYSED for our school district.
To complete the questionnaire on the Internet, go to http://parentsurvey.potsdam.edu or you may fill out the paper survey that was mailed to you after your child's CSE meeting with a postage-paid envelope. Please take the time to complete the survey as soon as you receive it. The School's BEDS Code is: 431401
Thank you for your assistance. If you have any questions, you may call my office at (585)229-5171 ext. 3033.
Sincerely,
Tina Bush
Director of Pupil Personnel Services
Summer Welcome to New Faculty and Staff
Please join me in congratulating and welcoming our new Bulldogs... We could not be more pleased or proud to welcome these talented, passionate and positive individuals to the dynamic faculty and staff at HCS!
Erika Asquino, Director of Instructional Technology, 7/20
Alex Akers, AP/Data Coordinator, 9/1
Albert Gaines, Bus Driver, 9/1
Melissa Partin, Bus Monitor, 9/1
Karen Straub, Cafeteria Monitor, 9/1
James Swingle, Bus Driver, 9/1
Deputy Tyler Marlow, SRO, 9/1
TBD, .5 Math Teacher, 9/1
2022-23 Device Distribution for Students
**Any student in grades 6-12 that would like to pick up their device prior to the start of school, must turn in the Responsible and Respectful Use Agreement at device distribution. A hard copy is provided in the information packet mailing or can be printed off using this LINK.
HCS Introduces Chain of Contact
2022-23 HCS Athletics and Extracurricular Handbook
- Secondary families will receive a copy of the handbook with their summer mailings.
- Mr. Schneckenburger will be covering the material with all extracurricular advisors at a date in September, yet to be determined.
- Ms. Levesque will review the content with coaches during a Mandatory Coaches’ Meeting on August 30.
Please Note: Language around Academic Eligibility, Violations of Substance Training Guidelines, Attendance, and other items have remained constant. Principal Schneckenburger and Athletic Director Levesque may opt to assemble a Shared Decision Making Committee in 2022-23 to explore current language and make recommendations for revision.
For Informational Purposes: 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.
For Informational Purposes: Multi Tiered System of Supports
MTSS is a framework many schools utilize to provide targeted support to struggling students. The goal of MTSS is early intervention and response to academic, behavioral, social emotional and attendance concerns. As alluded to in its name, tiers of support are integral to MTSS.
MTSS is an “umbrella” term in the educational community and includes a few systems of support you are likely familiar with such as RTI - Response to Intervention (which assists students who may be struggling with academics) and PBIS - Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (which is an approach schools use to promote school safety and good behavior). The Honeoye Elementary school authentically incorporates PBIS within their behavioral expectations known as the Bulldog Four.
In 2021-22, HCS engaged in the initial stages of developing a Multi-Tiered System of Supports for students. To support this work, HCS has allocated ARP and CRRSA stimulus monies to fund the inclusion of a Teacher on Special Assignment, and more specifically, an MTSS Coordinator. Kaitlin Iati-Lafave is now serving in this role and working closely with district leadership on the creation and development of facets of our district vision for an effective Multi-Tiered System of Supports. In 2022-23, HCS will continue to develop and build our repertoire of strategies and interventions to best support students.
HCS is proud about three "newer" MTSS supports for students: Safe School Helpline, Mental Health Teen First Aid, and PIRI training.
Safe School Helpline
In 2021-22, HCS launched a new district wide platform for the HCS community to use. The Safe School Helpline is yet another safety net and security measure designed to support the mental health needs of our students and community. Students may use the Safe School Helpline to report threats of violence, suicide and illegal activity that could harm students in our schools. It is a convenient, confidential way for anyone to report information about situations that might affect safety at our school. You can call the number any time of the day or night to report concerns about unsafe or potentially disruptive activities or situations including drug or alcohol abuse, weapons, or threats. All calls are completely confidential.
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:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjy3ivG2uwg
Teen Mental Health First Aid
In 2021-22, the Honeoye Central School District rolled out teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA) training at the secondary level for all students in grades 10 - 12. tMHFA is an evidence based training that instructs teens in grades 10–12 around the skills they need to recognize and to support their peers/friends with mental health and substance use challenges and how to get the help of an adult quickly. tMHFA is an identified means to better support and equip secondary students with information and skill sets around mental health.
In 2022-23, HCS sophomores are on deck to receive the tMHFA training. All instructors teaching the course have received special training and are certified to teach the course by Mental Health First Aid USA at the National Council for Behavioral Health. Teens will receive a Certificate of Completion for taking the course. More information to follow PRIOR to delivery of the training for our sophomores.
tMHFA overview:
- Recognizing early warning signs that a friend is developing a mental health challenge.
- Recognizing warning signs that a friend may be experiencing a mental health crisis.
- Explaining when and how to get a responsible adult involved.
- Discussing where to find appropriate and helpful resources about mental health challenges and professional help.
- Applying the tMHFA Action Plan to help a friend with a mental health challenge or crisis.
PIRI Training at HCS
We could not be more pleased or excited to have had the opportunity to partner with PIRI in work around community building and restorative practices. If you are not familiar with PIRI, PIRI is the acronym for the organization Partnership in Restorative Initiatives. Their vision speaks to fostering healthy communities and restorative practices:
We envision a world where restorative principles and practices are known, respected and used to redress harm, restore peace, improve relationships, reduce violence, promote healing and build healthy communities.
- Summer 2022: Community Building training
- Summer 2023: Restorative Discipline training
- Summer 2023: Academic Circle Training
A team of fifteen teachers, mental health staff and administrators participated in three days of training with PiRI - Partners in Restorative Initiatives. The focus of our training was the implementation and facilitation of community building circles. HCS participants were extremely positive about the utility and future benefit of this practice. We may all expect to hear more about building level plans for incorporation of community building circles spanning our Prek-12 student population. More information will be provided to families by building level principals as we launch the school year.
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
Civil Service Application (164.98 KB)
Substitute Posting (22.97 KB)
Sixth Grade Orientation
Tuesday, August 30
9:00 - 12:00
More information forthcoming soon!
Freshman Orientation
Wednesday, August 24th
10:30 until Noon ~ HCS Auditorium
Please drop students off at the District Office/Auditorium Entrance. Freshmen will receive their schedules and lockers, and will participate in a scavenger hunt! Lunch will be provided.This event is not mandatory, but encouraged. Schedules will be mailed to any students not in attendance.
Please Save the Dates: 2022-23 HCS Town Hall Meetings
As in recent years past, members of our Administrative team will be available to provide updates and to respond to questions from families and students during voluntary, virtual Town Hall Meetings scheduled periodically throughout the year.
November 3
January 26
April 13
As needed
Note: Dates Subject to Change...
- Virtual Elementary Town Hall meetings will be scheduled from 6:00 - 7:00.
- Virtual Secondary Town Hall meetings will be scheduled from 7:00 - 8:00.
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
July 12 Reorg Mtg
August 10 (Adopt Tax Rate)
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