February 2024 Newsletter
February 2024
February 2024 Newsletter
"You can't start a fire without a spark!"
February is Black History Month!
Important Dates:
February has 29 days this year!
February
February 9th- Superintendent's Conference Day - No Classes
February 14th- Valentine's Day
February 19th-23rd - No Classes
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 at jmiller2@CiTiboces.org.
If you encounter any issues accessing your account, don't hesitate to reach out. We are here to help!
Second Marking Period Honor Roll
✨High Honor Roll ✨
Annabelle Grant - Grade 7
Logan Shannon- Grade 9
Zachary Rice - Grade 9
Halima Sommers - Grade 9
Carissa Quagliata - Grade 10
Marley Bryant - Grade 10
Kendra Ziemann - Grade 11
Shawna Pope - Grade 11
Brayden Moshier - Grade 11
Allisyn Freeman - Grade 11
Shelby Jones - Grade 11
AnnaRose Giampapa - Grade 12
💫Honor Roll💫
Abigail Brown - Grade 10
Braedan Proud - Grade12
Ethan P. Joyce - Grade 8
Joseph Albrecht Fidler - Grade 12
Elizabeth VanPelt - Grade 12
Sparks of Brilliance- Student Work Spotlight
Did you make something awesome in class or for a club? Do you want to show it off? Submit your work here!
🍳 Cooking Club's Creations 🥘
Pasta with Lemon, Garlic and Herb Olive Oil Sauce
Ingredients:
1 box of pasta
1 cup of pasta water
4 tablespoons of olive oil
4 teaspoons of minced garlic
1 teaspoon of italian seasoning
2 tablespoons of chopped parsley
½ tablespoon of lemon juice
2 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese (Plus more for topping)
Directions:
Cook pasta according to package directions and reserve some pasta water for later
Heat olive oil in the same pan and add garlic and chopped parsley
Add pasta and some of the pasta water
Combine ingredients
Sprinkle parmesan cheese over the pasta and mix once more.
Transfer the pasta to the desired serving dish and top with more parmesan
Enjoy!
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
- 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
Email Mrs. Maholchic at jmaholchic@citiboces.net for Gamer Club and Ms. Daly at rdaly@citiboces.net for the link to clubs.
🐾 Pets of the Month! 🐾
Check out some of the furry, feathered, and scaley friends in the Synergy family!
If you'd like to submit your pet to be featured, please fill out this form.
If you submit your pet, we will send you a critter of our choice!
Allie 🦴
This is Allie, she is nine years old. Even though she is a senior she still plays like she is a puppy. Allie loves walks and going for rides on the four wheeler! Her favorite food is chicken.
Chonk and Mochi
Hi! We are Chonk (bottom cat )and Mochi (top cat). We are not-really-sisters, but have always lived together, so we are basically siblings. We are both almost 6 years old, and absolutely spoiled.
Mochi is a cuddle bug, and will take any opportunity to snuggle on you and make biscuits. She is super special, she has twenty-eight toes!
Chonk likes snuggles on her own terms, and would rather sit near you on the couch or her cat tree rather than curled up on your lap. She has the standard number of toes, but is special in her own way. She likes going out on walks on her harness, especially to the park, going on rides in the car, and playing fetch!
Mochi's favorite toys are plastic balls with bells in them, and the little fake mice that rattle.
Chonk's favorite toys are little stuffed mice, and catnip!
Of course, we both LOVE paper bags, paper clips, twist ties, and any other little thing we can get out paws on. Keep an eye out for us wreaking havoc in the background of Zoom from time to time!
💡Teacher Feature- Spotlight on Special Ed!💡
Bryn Kowba
I’m excited to be a part of CiTi BOCES and the Virtual Tutoring program! I am in my ninth year of teaching. I completed my bachelor’s in History and Education at SUNY Brockport, as well as my masters in Literacy B-12. In my free time I like to travel, strength train, run, spend time with my golden retriever Acadia and try new restaurants.
Jenelyn Ponce
I am from the vibrant island of Cebu, Philippines, where my journey as an educator started. Having taught in various corners of Asia, my educational voyage led me to the bustling city of Dubai, where I dedicated five enriching years to shaping young minds before settling in the United States. I pursued and earned my Master's Degree in Special Education and Culturally Diverse Education from the University of Colorado, Boulder.
For a decade, I called Colorado home, immersing myself in its diverse landscapes and communities. Five years ago, the magnetic pull of opportunity led me to the vibrant energy of New York. I love NYC, but I also love being at the beach. My family spends most of our summers in the Philippines because we just have to be by the water!
Throughout my career, I have found my niche as a middle school and high school teacher. What drew me to my profession 25 years ago was the opportunity to establish genuine connections with young minds. Witnessing my students' transformative journey, from navigating the challenges of adolescence to the triumphant strides taken across the graduation stage, fills me with an indescribable sense of pride. I find my true purpose when I see the radiant smiles or tears of joy as students open college acceptance letters or sign their first employment contracts.
Teaching isn't just a profession for me; it's a lifelong commitment to fostering growth, inspiring dreams, and leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of the individuals I have the privilege to guide. This is my WHY, this is my spark, this is why I'm with Synergy.
Shannon Byrne
Hello,
My name is Mrs. Byrne and I love teaching at SYNERGY! In my free time I love to spend my time outside - exploring, running, walking, hiking, paddle-boarding and swimming. A more recent passion of mine is playing pickleball - I spend hours each week playing with my family and friends. I also enjoy traveling, my favorite destinations include; Bar Harbor, Maine, Italy, Switzerland and Disney World. These days I spend most of my time with my precious 9-month old baby girl, Charlie Mae - life is good!
🚂-Information Station
Calendars:
- Check the BUZZ landing page for the A/B day weekly schedule
- February - July A/B Day Calendar
Instructional Calendar - Dates of upcoming breaks!
Student Absences:
- This is a reminder that Ms. Woodridge is no longer at Synergy, so please contact Ms. Smith, Jess Miller, or Kati Chambers with questions, concerns, or updates.
- Contact Kati Chambers at kchambers@CiTibocs.org or 315.963.4465, or Jess Miller at jmiller2@CiTiboces.org or 315.963.4272, or 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.
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.
SchoolTool
- Parents have access to view student grades and assignments in SchoolTool.
- Click here for instructions on how to access your SchoolTool account.
- Contact Kati Chambers at kchambers@CiTiboces.org or call 315.963.4465 if you have trouble accessing your SchoolTool account.
Teacher Information
Andrea Smith- asmith7@CiTiboces.net- Principal
Cathleen Mangano– cmangano@CiTiboces.net – School Counselor
Melissa Daniels - mdaniels@CiTiboces.org - College Courses
Jenelyn Ponce – jponce@CiTiboces.org– Special Education
Patricia Gremillion-Burdge- pgremillion-burdge@citiboces.net - Health
Calli Pluff - cpluff@CiTiboces.net - Study Hall and Edgenuity Lab
Tommy Honors - thonors@CiTiboces.net - PE
Carissa Bracero- cbracero@CiTiboces.org – Spanish
Paul Chapin- pchapin@CiTiboces.org -Earth Science, Meteorology/ Astronomy
Rita Daly- rdaly@CiTiboces.net – Living Environment/ Science 7/ Science 8
Toni Purdy- tpurdy@CiTiboces.org- Chemistry
Adam Deyoe - adeyoe@CiTiboces.org - Technology in Our Lives
Tammy VanBuren - tvanburen@CiTiboces.net- Participation in Government and Economics
Jamie Maholchic - jmaholchic@CiTiboces.net - Social Studies and Musical Theater History
Erika Knapp - eknapp@CiTiboces.net – Math
Kate Gozigian - kgozigian@CiTiboces.org - 9-12 English
David O'Bryan - dobryan@CiTiboces.org - 8th Grade English
Jamie Glantz - jglantz@CiTiboces.org- 7th Grade English
Erin LaChut - elachut@CiTiboces.org- Art
Tracy Liberman- tliberman@CiTiboces.net- Intro to Media Arts/ Photography
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
Counselor's Corner
Each day from 11:25-11:55, Synergy Students have Advisement built into their schedules. Teachers are available to provide extra assistance to students during this time. Recently, we designated Wednesdays in Advisement as “Wellness Wednesdays.” Recognizing that the winter months, with less daylight and colder temperatures, can put some people into a slump, prompted us to consider how we could help students support their overall wellness. Wellness Wednesdays will continue throughout the year. Here is what we have covered so far:
Guided Meditation: Students had the opportunity to learn how guided meditation can help manage stress and participated in a guided mediation with a peaceful beach scene.
Movement Breaks: We also explored the benefits of movement breaks throughout the day and went on a virtual walk through a sunny forest.
Pomodoro Technique: We explored common reasons for procrastination and students were introduced to the Pomodoro Technique- a time management and anti-procrastination strategy. It involves identifying one task, setting a timer for 25 minutes, and then taking a 5 minute break. The cycle is repeated four times in the traditional way, followed by a longer break of 20 minutes. This strategy can be particularly useful with larger projects, essays, reading, or studying. Students may not need to repeat it multiple times to accomplish their task, but it can help them get started and build momentum.
Mrs. Mangano (she/her)
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
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!
Principal's Corner
Dear Synergy Families,
Time really does fly, doesn’t it? Here we are, already in the second semester, we are thrilled to offer a diverse range of new and returning elective courses. Whether it’s Astronomy, Google’s Digital Skills, Photography, Health, Art, or even Music Theatre, there’s a course that’s just right for everyone!
As we journey deeper into the third marking period, it’s heartening to see so many of you taking charge of your own learning journey. To those who’ve been consistently engaged, and to those who are just now finding their rhythm - I am incredibly proud of each and every one of you. Let’s remember that February is the month of love. So, let’s channel some of that love towards our education. It’s one of the most precious gifts we can give to our future selves. After all, a robust education is often the stepping stone to a prosperous future.
For those who may be feeling overwhelmed, lacking motivation, or for those who simply want to maintain their momentum, here are some motivation tips:
Set small, daily goals. Break down your tasks into manageable chunks.
Celebrate your wins. No matter how big or small. Reward yourself when you accomplish your goals.
Use the supports you have. Don’t hesitate to lean on your support system.
Share your goals. Tell your family and friends about your goals and let them cheer you on.
Stay organized. Keep your study area tidy and your schedule well-planned.
Take care of yourself. Remember to eat healthily, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep.
Remember, every step you take is a step towards success. Keep going, keep growing, and know that we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Warmest regards,
Andrea Smith
Synergy Principal
Email: asmith7@CiTiboces.org
Website: CiTiboces.org/Synergy
Location: 179 County Route 64, Mexico, NY, USA
Phone: 315.963.4356
The Synergy Office
Jess Miller (they/them)
Tech Support and General Questions
Email: jmiller2@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
Kati Chambers (she/her)
Attendance and General Questions
Email: kchambers@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