Quarterly Update
November 14th, 2023
First Quarter Flies When We're Having Fun
Greetings Fredonia Students and Families,
We hope that everyone has had an enjoyable and productive first ten weeks of the 2023-24 school year. Thanks to all who have been involved in creating a welcoming and positive start over the past few months. The beginning of the year has reminded us that we have an outstanding group of students and families helping us achieve our mission of everyone becoming their greatest selves. We appreciate all that you do to make our school district run as smoothly as possible with everyone having the opportunity to maximize their potential.
We are proud and pleased to have a group of students and families that partner with us in our effort to provide an innovative, dynamic, and global education for all. The spirit of teamwork and togetherness makes our schools a great place to learn and grow. We anticipate an outstanding second quarter with these characteristics at the heart of our work over the next ten weeks.
Please remember that the district established several core beliefs that provide guidelines for our behavior and decision-making. These beliefs include:
- Student-focused: We make students our top priority and the center of our decision-making.
- Respect: We honor and treat everyone fairly.
- Integrity: We believe in honesty and trustworthiness.
- Inclusivity: We provide a sense of belonging and support for all individuals.
- Diversity: We believe every voice has value, and our differences make us stronger.
- Excellence: We work hard, set high standards, and take pride in our efforts.
- Communication: We practice consistent and timely communication with positive intent.
- Resilience: We foster growth and perseverance to help each other overcome adversity.
We politely ask that everyone keep these values in mind throughout the year, especially when interacting with each other within our district. Thanks to everyone for their great work and achievements so far this school year, which are outlined below.
Please know that your feedback is welcome at any time throughout the year. We are more than willing to discuss any questions, concerns, or ideas that might be on your mind. Feel free to reach out as needed.
Enjoy the month of December as we make our way through the holiday season.
Respectfully,
Brad Zilliox
Spectator Wins Big at Empire State School Press Association (ESSPA)
Student newspaper the Spectator won total of 17 awards from the 84th annual ESSPA conference that was held on Oct. 18 at Syracuse University's Newhouse School of Public Communications. Julie Walas, Director of Recruitment and Student Engagement at S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University, made a special trip to present the awards at a ceremony held at Fredonia High School on November 16th.
GOLD AWARDS
- Service to School: Spectator from Fredonia High School
- Best Overall Newspaper: Spectator – Fredonia High School
- Best Photograph: Isaac Williams from Fredonia High School for “Baseball”
- Best Written Work in a Newspaper: Isaac Williams from Fredonia High School for “Scheduling Conflicts Endanger French Program”
SILVER AWARDS
- Best Written Work in a Newspaper: Ben Feit
- Best Feature Story: Ray Dai
BRONZE AWARDS
- Best Graphic/Illustration: Allie Cook
- Best Overall Layout Design: Fredonia High School
- Best Photograph: Isaac Williams
- Best Photograph: Hailey Hood
- Best Written Work in a Newspaper: Abigail Lauer
- Best Sports Story: Rylee Beers
HONORABLE MENTIONS
- Best Artwork (Portfolio): Hayleigh Helda
- Best Photograph: Emily McCann
- Best Overall Sports Coverage: Fredonia High School
- Best Editorial: Leah Hinds Morrison
- Best Feature Story: Emerson Bramer
Cold Weather Gear For Those In Need
As fall turns to winter and the temperatures drop, we have a supply of coats and cold weather gear to keep our students warm. Please let Mrs. Farrell (PreK-grade 4, ext. 2440) or Mrs. Beyer (grades 5-12, ext. 2759) know if we can help out.
Have new, like new or gently used winter gear that you'd like to donate? We're happy to give it a new home!
NYSPHSAA Diving Championships
Pucci-Schaefer and Marsh Return to Championships - Pucci-Schaefer Places Third
Juniors Elizabeth Pucci-Schaefer and Leah Marsh competed in the NYS Diving Championships in Webster, NY. This was Elizabeth's 4th trip to the state championships and Leah's 2nd trip.
Elizabeth Pucci-Schaefer (L) and Leah Marsh (R) before heading to the the 2023 Section VI Diving Championships.
OBSERVER Photo by Christian Storms | Leah performing one of her dives.
Middle School Musical
Congratulations to the cast and crew of Aladdin Jr.! Fantastic job by one and all.
Unified Bocce Ball
Fredonia's Unified Bocce Ball team won 1st in their division, made some new friends, and had a great time!! Thank you to all the organizers and volunteers for making this event such a success! A huge shout out to Mrs. Meli, Mrs. Johnson, Ms. Amber and coach Conti for all the time and love they give to Unified sports!!!
Boys on the Run
Fredonia offered a fall season of Boys on the Right Track which is a 9-week noncompetitive 5k running program that helps boys to develop social and emotional skills including communication, collaboration, and resilience. The program exists to counteract societal pressures that can push young men to unhealthy expressions of emotion, rather than strong self-knowledge and communication, and equips them to continually grow in self-understanding, collaboration, and self-regulation, skills that serve them for their whole lives.
These boys completed the program and ended with a fantastic 5K race (Veterans Race) at the Buffalo Naval and Military Park.
A huge shoutout to our boys and their Running Buddies. Way to go Fredonia Boys!
NYSSBA Online Art Exhibition
Congratulations to senior Raena Beckley, junior Isaac Williams and Sophomore Moss Kaiser-Callen for being selected for the 2023 online NYSSBA Exhibition! The NYSATA sponsored New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA) Exhibit is an annual art exhibition that allows other school board members to recognize a district’s student artists. Images of artwork submitted was used to create a virtual exhibit representing the state’s ten regions. School board members attending the 2023 NYSSBA Convention in Oct. 26-28 in Buffalo, NY were able to view student artwork throughout the four day event. The public will have access to the virtual art exhibit through Dec. 31, 2023. You can find their work on slides 159-161.