January 2024 Newsletter
January 2024
January 2024 Newsletter
"You can't start a fire without a spark!"
Important Dates
2024 is a leap year! Enjoy your extra day!
January
January 1st - New Year's Day- Happy 2024!
January 15th - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 23rd-26th - Regents Exam Days
Edgenuity Adult Observer Accounts
Hello Guardians and Parents of Edgenuity students,
We hope you're doing well! Recently, you might have received an email about setting up an observer account for your Edge student. This account is a great way for you to keep an eye on your student's progress in Edgenuity. Expect weekly emails with updates on their work—it's a fantastic way to stay in the loop! If you would like the frequency of those emails to change, please reach out to Jess. Their contact info is listed below.
If you encounter any issues accessing your account, don't hesitate to reach out. Jess Miller is available at jmiller2@CiTiboces.org or 315.963.4465, and you can also contact Ms. Smith at asmith7@CiTiboces.org or 315.963.4356. We're here to help!
Honor Roll
✨Merit Roll ✨
Piper Harbot - South Seneca
Binupsha Rai - Pavilion
Paige Ross -Oneida CSD
🌟Honor Roll🌟
Abigail Brown - Phoenix
Allisyn Freeman - Watertown City School District
Ethan Joyce - Hannibal
Mayble Keech - Churchville-Chili CSD
Addison Mayenzet - Cato-Meridian
💫High Honor Roll💫
Avery Bond - South Seneca
Marley Bryant - Perry Central School
AnnaRose Giampapa - Sewanhaka Central High School District
Annabelle Grant - Fulton City School District
Brayden Moshier - Fulton City School District
Shelby Jones - Canastota
Shawna Pope - Red Creek
Braedan Proud - Oswego
Carissa Quagliata - South Seneca
Logan Shannon - Half Hollow Hills SD
Halima Sommers - Hamilton CSD
Lizzy VanPelt - Central Square
Adam Warner - Fulton City School District
Joshua Winslow - Highland Central School District
Kendra Ziemann - Central Square
Sparks of Brilliance - Student Work Spotlight
Did you make something awesome in class or for a club? Do you want to show it off?
🧬 Edible Cell Models for Ms. Daly's Science Class 🧬
🍳 Cooking Club's Creations 🥘
Are you interested in joining a Club?
If you would like to join one of the clubs below please reach out to Mrs. Maholchic and Ms. Daly. If you have any suggestions for a new club please email Jess at jmiller2@CiTiboces.org
Email Mrs. Maholchic at jmaholchic@citiboces.net for Gamer Club and Ms. Daly at rdaly@citiboces.net for the link to clubs.
- Gaming Club with Mrs. Maholchic will meet on Mondays for 3:00 to 3:45
- Cooking Club with Ms. Daly will meet on Wednesdays from 3:00 to 3:45
🐾 Pets of the Month! 🐾
Check out some of the furry, feathered, and scaly friends in the Synergy family!
If you'd like to submit your pet to be featured,
please fill out this form.
Maverick 🐾
Woof, hello pawsome students and parents!
I'm Maverick, the furriest therapy pup in training, and I'm here to spread smiles and tail wags! 🐾 I'm just 7 months old, which means I'm basically a professional at being adorable and goofy.
Every week, I put on my learning cap (if I had one!) to master basic commands and get super comfy meeting lots of friendly faces. My mission? Making people like you grin from ear to ear! 😄
I'm a ball of energy, and I go to work every day with my wonderful human mom, Ms. Smith. She's the best! We make a paw-some team, and together, we're on a mission to brighten up your days.
Oh, did I mention how much I LOVE attention? Seriously, it's like my favorite thing ever! If you ever want to say hi, just let the office know. I'll wag my tail and hop on the screen, ready to charm your socks off. And hey, I might even show off some of the new tricks I'm learning.
I also have a soft spot for fellow furballs, so if you have a furry friend, I'd be over the moon to meet them online! Let's make virtual playdates a thing.
Sending you all the paw-sitivity and tail wiggles,
Maverick 🐾
Cookie 🍪
Cookie is a total people cat. He is almost 4 years old, and wants to be anywhere his people are! He has the LOUDEST purr, and it's one of my favorite (and most relaxing) sounds. He loves to curl up in a sun spot or on someone's lap (he loves to be warm). He eats everything - like a goat. Fruit? Sure. Table crumbs? Yep. Plastic? Why not!
Pebbles 🪶
My name is Pebbles, I'm a ten-year-old cockatiel (I can live up to thirty years as a pet!) I just got better after being sick😷 a few weeks, and I'm back to doing all of my favorite things again!
I love shiny things like earrings and necklaces, so if you are wearing them, I will sit on your shoulder and play with them.
I love head scritches, playing with my toys in my cage, millet (it's my favorite snack) throwing my food on the floor, flying around, and cuddling with my people!
I'm a lot quieter than my brothers, Boots and Socks, so they wake me up every morning when they start singing when its light outside, but I'll say something when I'm really excited or upset.
You may see me if my person, Jess in the main office, works from home, so keep an eye out for my feathered face 😁
Teacher Spotlight
Erika Knapp
🚂-Information Station
Calendars:
- Check the BUZZ landing page for the A/B day weekly schedule
- December - January A/B Day Calendar
Instructional Calendar - Dates of upcoming breaks!
Student Absences:
- Contact Ms. Woodridge at kwoodridge@citiboces.org or 315.963.4272, or Jess Miller at jmiller2@CiTiboces.org or tel:315.963.4465 if a student is absent.
- Below is the difference between Excused and Unexcused absences.
- a) Excused: Any absence, tardiness, or early dismissal for which the pupil has a valid approved excuse. Such excused non-appearance shall include: personal illness or injury, illness or death in the family, religious observance, quarantine, required court appearances, attendance at health clinics or other medical visits, approved college visits, military obligations, absences approved in advance by the by the program administrator, component school functions (pep rallies, field trips, assemblies, etc.), mandated social services appointments, and other reasons as may be approved by the Commissioner of Education. The supervisor of pupils in our adult programs may at his or her discretion determine if job responsibilities warrant excused absences.
- b) Unexcused: Any absence, tardiness, or early dismissal for which the pupil has no valid school approved excuse. Such unexcused non-appearance shall include but not limited to: shopping trip, family vacation, oversleeping, absence to allow for more time to complete school work or study for a test, missed the bus, skipping classes, and other absence that is not excused.
Synergy Information:
Even though we are a Virtual High School we follow public school requirements.
One thing to remember is we have a nurse who will check to make sure Synergy students are up to date on required immunizations. Here is the link to the 2023-24 School Year NYS Immunization Requirement chart.
Synergy Virtual Office:
- Parents/guardians and students are welcome to enter the Synergy Virtual Office with any questions or concerns from 8:00-4:00.
- Click here to join the Synergy Virtual Office. Passcode 4280
Advisement:
- All teachers have advisement from 11:25-11:55 Monday-Thursday for additional support.
- Students are able to receive extra support during Advisement.
SchoolTool
- Parents have access to view student grades and assignments in SchoolTool.
- Click here for instructions on how to access your SchoolTool account.
- Contact Ms. Woodridge at kwoodridge@citiboces.org or call 315-963-4272 if you have trouble accessing your SchoolTool account.
Teacher Information
Erika Knapp - eknapp@CiTiboces.net – Math
Carissa Bracero- cbracero@CiTiboces.org – Spanish
Tommy Honors - thonors@CiTiboces.net - PE
Paul Chapin- pchapin@CiTiboces.org -Earth Science, Meteorology/ Astronomy
Rita Daly- rdaly@CiTiboces.net – Living Environment/ Science 7/ Science 8
Kate Gozigian - kgozigian@CiTiboces.org - English
Cathleen Mangano– cmangano@CiTiboces.net – School Counselor
Jenelyn Ponce – jponce@CiTiboces.org– Special Education
Jamie Maholchic - jmaholchic@CiTiboces.net - Social Studies and Musical Theater History
Erin LaChut - elachut@CiTiboces.org- Art
Tracy Liberman- tliberman@CiTiboces.net- Intro to Media Arts/ Photography
Adam Deyoe - adeyoe@CiTiboces.org - Technology in Our Lives
Tammy VanBuren - tvanburen@CiTiboces.net- Participation in Government and Economics
Toni Purdy- tpurdy@CiTiboces.org- Chemistry
Calli Pluff - cpluff@CiTiboces.net - Study Hall and Edgenuity Lab
Melissa Daniels - mdaniels@CiTiboces.org - College Courses
Andrea Smith- asmith7@CiTiboces.net- Principal
Counselor's Corner
Hello- my name is Cathleen Mangano and I am the School Counselor for Synergy. I look forward to partnering with students and parents to help students have a successful year in the Synergy program. My professional background includes working as a Middle School counselor and most recently, I’ve worked at the college level as an academic success advisor. I’m excited to return to the world of 7-12 education and can’t wait to meet each student in our program. While we are existing in a virtual world, I hope to celebrate the successes of students and support them with bumps in the road!
When I’m not at work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and son. I enjoy camping, playing board games, watching my son play sports (especially soccer) and goofing around with our energetic dog. I like being in the pool or on the beach, particularly with a good book in hand!
I’m excited to be a part of the Synergy team. Let’s make it a great school year!
Mrs. Mangano
Office Hours
7:30 - 3:00
Email: cmangano@citiboces.org
Website: CiTiboces.org/Synergy
Location: 179 County Route 64, Mexico, NY, USA
Phone: 315.975.7800
Steps for success for synergy students
Attendance & Engagement
The school day runs from 8:40 AM-3:00 PM.
When students miss morning attendance during the first block a parent/guardian will receive an attendance call. Encourage your student to attend classes and stay for the duration of class. Most work is completed in class therefore consistently attending and remaining engaged is important!
Students can receive extra help from teachers during Advisement (11:25-11:55 daily).
Supporting Synergy Students
Post a hard copy of the student’s schedule near their computer for easy reference.
Have necessary supplies nearby. Along with their computer & monitor, students should have a writing utensil and paper. Having to find or collect necessary supplies can reduce efficiency and productivity.
Many families are sharing spaces. If you do not have a work area that only your Synergy student uses, it might help to store all of their school items (notebooks, pencils, calculator, etc.) in a bag or small box to keep everything together to avoid having to hunt for their items each day.
Encourage students to only have necessary tabs open on their computer. Each open tab is an opportunity for distraction.
Virtual learning requires a lot of self discipline. Silencing phones or other electronics can help limit distractions for teens. Students should aim to work in an area that is comfortable, but not so comfortable that they fall asleep (hint, hint to students doing their work in their bed). Headphones can help students who are sharing spaces or have outside noise.
Taking care of overall health is important. Getting some fresh air at the end of the day or during a lunch break can help rejuvenate students.
Semester II begins 1/29/23.
Students who are currently enrolled in half year semester courses, will have the opportunity to select a new semester elective course. The process will begin after the holiday break.
Students will hear a presentation of course options during Advisement
Students will be given an individual meeting time to review their selection and finalize their spring schedule
Students should be checking their CiTi BOCES email and the Buzz Student Center for Announcements
Students in grades 10-12 have the opportunity to take college courses
Reminder: New York State Exams and Regents are administered by the home district as Synergy cannot administer them virtually.
Attention Seniors! This is an exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming as you consider your post-high school plans. I’m here to help you navigate this process and provide guidance on the options available to you. Whether you’re considering entering the workforce, exploring trade schools, or colleges, let’s chat!
College Courses
If you would like to take a college course in the Spring please talk with Mrs. Mangano - cmangano@citiboces.org
If you have questions about the college courses please contact Mrs. Kristin Edwards by email kedwards@citiboces.org
College Online (Asynchronous) Courses for Spring Semester:
- SOC 101 - Introductory Sociology
- BUS 232 - Intro to Social Media Marketing
- ECON 102 - Personal Finance
- PSY 212 - Developmental Psychology (Pre-Requisite: PSY 101)
- HLTH 104- Personal Health
Spring Courses begin January 23rd.
Technology 🧑💻
Some helpful BUZZ Tutorials/videos:
Buzz Interactive Tutorials for StudentsBuzz Introduction Video for Students
Parent/Guardian Buzz Access Tutorial
It is also important that students stay organized and use time management skills while in a Virtual Learning Environment. Below is a link to a video.
Organization & Time Management for Students
If you are having trouble with your equipment or BUZZ please join us in our Zoom Office Hours. Click link below.
Synergy Zoom Main Office or email Jess at jmiller2@citiboces.org or call at 315.963.4465
From Our Family to Yours
Principal's Corner
Hello Synergy Families,
Happy New Year and welcome to 2024! I hope this message finds each of you in high spirits, filled with anticipation for new beginnings and exciting possibilities. As we step into this brand-new year, let’s embrace the opportunities it brings.
Ring in the New Year with Goals:
January is the perfect time to set intentions for the coming months. Here’s some sound advice on goal setting:
Make a Plan: Think about a goal you want to reach. What steps do you need to take to get there? That’s your action plan!
Use a Worksheet: We have special worksheets that can help you set your goals. They’ll guide you to break your goal into smaller steps and keep track of your progress. You can find these worksheets in the Main Office.
Set SMART Goals: When you’re setting your goals, make sure they’re SMART - Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-based. Think about how your goal fits into your plans for school or your dreams for the future. This will help you stay focused and motivated!
What are SMART Goals?
Specific: Make your goal specific and narrow.
Measurable: How will you know when you’ve achieved your goal?
Achievable: Goals should be challenging but not impossible.
Relevant: Goals should be worthwhile to YOU.
Time-based: Set a target date to complete. Make sure it’s reasonable so you do not get discouraged.
Always break goals down into small, daily steps; strive for no more than three big goals at a time. This way, you can celebrate your smaller successes along the way!
Some examples of SMART goals are:
Exercise regularly
Read a book every month
Attend every class all week
Get more sleep
Improve your grade in a specific class.
Example:
Get Enough Sleep
SMART Goal: For the next three months, I will get 8 hours of sleep each night to lower my stress levels. I’ll avoid any distractions that could disrupt my sleep, such as my phone and any other digital devices.
Specific: This goal identifies the exact steps to get more sleep and reduce stress.
Measurable: This is measured by getting 8 hours of sleep every night.
Attainable: Going to bed earlier for extra sleep is absolutely doable.
Relevant: More sleep would keep you healthier, happier, and safer. It is essential for both managing stress and your mental health.
Time-based: The goal has a deadline of three months.
As we embark on the rest of the school year together, know that your dedication and efforts will pay off. Let’s make this your best semester yet!
Wishing each of you a year filled with joy, success, and moments that make you proud. Here’s to a fantastic 2024 filled with boundless possibilities!
Warmest regards,
Ms. Smith, Principal
Email: asmith7@CiTiboces.org
Website: CiTiboces.org/Synergy
Location: 179 County Route 64, Mexico, NY, USA
Phone: 315.963.4356
The Synergy Office
Kristina Woodridge
Email: kwoodridge@citiboces.org
Website: CiTiboces.org/Synergy
Location: 179 County Route 64, Mexico, NY, USA
Phone: 315.963.4272
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CiTiboces
Twitter: @CiTi_boces
Jess Miller (they/them)
Email: jmiller2@citiboces.org
Website: CiTiboces.org/Synergy
Location: 179 County Route 64, Mexico, NY, USA
Phone: 315.963.4465
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CiTiboces
Twitter: @CiTi_boces