Whitesville Central School Blue Jay By-Line February/March 2019 We Choose Success Falyn Lewis-Ellison reached a career milestone on January 8th as she recorded her 1,000th career point as a Blue Jay during a win over the visiting Cuba-Rushford Rebels. Falyn becomes the 8th Lady Jay to join the 1,000 Point Club. Congratulations, Falyn! Our NHS students have already had a busy start to the school year. Students continue to engage in community service activities and strive to set a good example by upholding the pillars of the National Honor Society. New members inducted this year are: Katelyn Barney, Caleb Cutler, Carleigh Folts, Scott (Matt) Garis III, Emma Lee, Jonathan Lewis & Sydney Tubbs Picture left to right; front row: Sydney Tubbs, Carleigh Folts, Falyn Lewis-Ellison, Emma Lee. Back row: Allyson Waters, Katelyn Barney, Jonathan Lewis, Caleb Cutler, Scott (Matt) Garis lll, Onalee Emery, Naomi Buchholz Congratulations to Onalee Emery, Caleb Cutler and Sydney Tubbs for being top three in the regional DECA competition. These three students, along with Katie Barney, qualified to proceed to the State Competition in Rochester in March. Good Luck to all four of you! Hello, my name is Dan Wilkinson and I am the new Physical Education and Health teacher here at Whitesville. I grew up in Wayland NY and graduated from 2018-19 BASKETBALLL SCHEDULE Wayland-Cohocton Central Date Team Time Opponent School in 2013. I initially studied 02-01-19 Boys Varsity 7:30PM Away vs Scio Central Childhood Education at SUNY 02-02-19 Boys Modified 10:00AM Bolivar Richburg Cortland until deciding to major 02-02-19 Girls Modified 11:15AM Bolivar Richburg in Physical Education. I graduated 02-04-19 Girls JV 6:00PM Away vs Wellsville from SUNY Cortland in 2018. I 02-04-19 Girls Varsity 7:30PM Away vs Wellsville coached modified girls basketball 02-05-19 Boys Varsity 6:00PM Friendship Central at Cortland High School last 02-06-19 Girls Modified 5:00PM Andover winter and modified boys’ soccer 02-06-19 Girls JV 6:00PM Away vs Cuba-Rushford at Wayland-Cohocton this past 02-06-19 Boys Modified 6:15PM Andover fall. Along with teaching Physical 02-06-19 Girls Varsity 7:30PM Away vs Cuba-Rushford Education and Health, I am also 02-07-19 Boys Varsity 7:00PM Away vs Houghton Academy coaching girls modified basketball 02-08-19 Girls JV 6:00PM Away vs Fillmore Central and modified baseball this year. I 02-08-19 Girls Varsity 7:30PM Away vs Fillmore Central am very grateful and excited for 02-13-19 Boys Varsity 6:00PM Away vs Andover my career here at Whitesville Dates and Times are subject to change. Central School. Updated schedules are available on Whitesville Central School's website; www.whitesvillesd.org On January 5th, the Varsity Cheerleaders competed in their first competition of the season. They were joined by 17 other varsity teams that were divided into five different divisions. Even though they were the smallest team and from the smallest school, the girls still put up a wonderful routine. They took home second place and hit a zero routine. Hitting zero is when a team receives zero deductions on their routine. Only seven teams accomplished a hit zero routine. The Varsity Cheerleaders are competing in the following competitions: Wellsville High School - Jan. 26 Arkport-Canaseraga Cheerleading Challenge School - Feb. 2 Houghton (Counties) - Feb. 6 at 7pm RIT (Sectionals) - Feb. 23 Hope to see you there! Pictured Left to Right; back row: Paiden Price, Emma Saxton, Jillian Clarke, Coach Rashell Boyd, Allyson Waters, Emma Lee. Middle row: Brianne Cavanaugh, Zoey Lee, Mandy Welty-Matteson, Jordan Buchholz. Front row: Kaylie Gaines, Jaedyn Gaines, Gracie Lewis-Ellison, Oliva Buchholz A special message from Superintendent Sanders.... Dear Whitesville Community, It is with deep respect and sincere appreciation that I share with you my intention to retire at the end of August, 2019. With 31 years in public education and 37 years in the education field, I feel that it is time to move on to the next chapter of my life. My plans are to spend some quality time with my large family after retirement and give myself space to determine what comes next. I could not have asked for a better place to spend the final years of my career. The Whitesville District and community welcomed me with open arms almost four years ago and I will cherish my years here as superintendent. I am grateful for the opportunities that the Board of Education, students, staff and community have given me. I am proud of the work we have done and the position that we are in academically and financially. Together, with a wonderful board and dedicated staff members, we have moved the district along in technology, security, STEAM and 21st Century skills. We will be completing our new building project this summer that will update learning spaces for Math, Science and Technology and make much needed improvements to the rest of the building and grounds My goal is to be here through the end of the summer to see the project through to completion. By announcing my retirement at this time, the Board of Education will have ample time to find a replacement who will be a great fit and continue the important work of the Whitesville District. I will be 100% committed to leading the district until a smooth transition has taken place. The thought of retirement is bittersweet but I am looking forward to the future with as much joy and anticipation as I had when I first entered teaching. I’m confident that the Whitesville Community will continue to support the district and future leadership and that you will grow and shine in the coming years. With my warmest regards, Laurie Sanders Whitesville Marketing Project On Thursday, February 14th at 7:00 p.m., WCS students will be presenting four marketing plans to the Independence Town Board at their monthly meeting. The goal of the project is have our students find ways to enhance and promote the town and village. Students are finding out the importance of being involved in their community in meaningful ways, working together to problem-solve and think “outside the box.” Promoting new possibilities in Whitesville is critical for the sustainability of our small town. Every community member should get involved so feel free to come to the presentation and hear their ideas. Athletics I would like to take the opportunity to thank our coaches, players and fans for the positive atmosphere during basketball games. Regardless of win and loss records, I see our coaches, players and cheerleaders working hard and improving with each game. Keep up the good work! EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSING LIST When it is necessary to delay school opening, close school or dismiss early, the following TV and radio stations will be contacted: Channel 7 TV ~ WKBW AM Buffalo Channel 4 TV ~ WIVB AM Buffalo 103.5 FM ~ WJQZ, Wellsville 790 AM ~ WLSV, Wellsville 101.9 FM ~ WZKZ, Wellsville 95.7 FM ~ WPIG, Olean 1450 AM ~ WHDL, Olean 105.3 FM ~ WKPQ, Hornell 1320 AM ~ WHHO, Hornell 92.1 FM ~ WCKR, Hornell 1480 AM ~ WLEA, Hornell Mental Health Needs for Kids By Tessa Levitt Whitesville Director of Curriculum It is easy for parents to identify their child’s physical needs such as: nutritious food, warm clothes when it’s cold and bedtime at a reasonable hour. However, a child’s mental and emotional needs may not be as obvious. Good mental health allows children to think clearly, develop socially and learn new skills. Additionally, good friends and encouraging words from adults are all important for helping children develop self-confidence, high self-esteem, and a healthy emotional outlook on life. Here are a few basics for a child’s mental health: Unconditional love from family Self-confidence and high self-esteem The opportunity to play with other children Encouraging teachers and supportive caretakers Safe and secure surroundings Appropriate guidance and discipline Give children unconditional love. Love, security and acceptance should be at the heart of family life. Children need to know that your love does not depend on his or her accomplishments. Praise Them - Encouraging children’s first steps or their ability to learn a new game helps them develop a desire to explore and learn about their surroundings. Allow children to explore and play in a safe area where they cannot get hurt. Assure them by smiling and talking to them often. Be an active participant in their activities. Your attention helps build their self-confidence and self-esteem Encourage children - To not only strive to do their best, but also to enjoy the process. Trying new activities teaches children about teamwork, self-esteem and new skills Play for Fun Winning is not as important as being involved and enjoying the activity. One of the most important questions to ask children is “Did you have fun?’’ not “Did you win?” Criticize the behavior, not the child. It is best to say, “That was a bad thing you did,” rather than “You are a bad boy or girl.” Talk about your feelings. We all lose our temper from time to time. If you do “flip your lid,” it is important to talk about what happened and why you are angry. Apologize if you were wrong! Remember, the goal is not to control the child, but for him or her to learn self-control. Scholastic Book Fair Thank You Thank you to all our wonderful students, parents, grandparents, teachers and other family members who supported the recent Scholastic Book Fair.