CANDOR CENTRAL COMMUNICATIONS

November 2020 www.candorcsd.org Candor Schools ~ Shaping Our Future

District Mission Statement The mission of the Candor Central School Community is to challenge students to become responsible, knowledgeable, contributing citizens within a caring environment where lifelong learning is valued and differences are accepted.

PERSEVERANCE

One tree held its leaves until the bitter end.

INCLEMENT WEATHER DAYS

Our original plan for snow days for the 2020-2021 school year was to take advantage of what the State called - a “pivot” to remote learning. In other words, the State has allowed us to switch from in-person learning to remote learning days when the weather is bad. However, with all the changes that 2020 has brought, we strongly believe that, when it is not safe to travel to school, a good old-fashioned snow day is just what our students need. Therefore, on days when the weather prohibits travel, Candor Schools will still have traditional “snow days”. Please encourage your students to play, sleigh ride, make snowmen, watch movies, bake cookies, shovel (shovel for a neighbor), and enjoy a device free day away from Google Classroom and Chromebooks. And make hot chocolate!

The information below represents the television and radio stations that will announce emergency school closing information for the community and students of the Candor School District. Please do not call school offices or the bus garage to check on the status for the day. Telephone lines are needed to make outgoing calls and to handle emergencies. School decisions will be made by 5:30 a.m., whenever possible, and should be broadcast between 6:00 a.m. and 6:15 a.m.

TV Stations: Ithaca Radio Stations: Binghamton Radio Stations: WBNG - (CH 12) Binghamton WYXL-FM 97.3 WHWK-FM 98.1 WBGH - (CH 34) Binghamton WQNY-FM 103.7 WAAL-FM 99.1 WIVT - (CH 34) Binghamton WIII I100-FM 99.9/100.3 WWYL (Wild 104)-FM 104 WICZ - (CH 40) Binghamton HITS 103-FM 103.3 MIX-FM 103.3 WSYR - (CH 9-ABC)Syracuse THE VINE - FM 96.7 KGB -FM 92.5 WFIZ -FM 95.5/94.9 Web Sites: WFIZ-HD2-FM 107.7 www.spectrumlocalnews.com WHCU-AM 870/95.9 WNYY-AM 1470

School closings will be listed on our school website as well: www.candorcsd.org

School Messenger will also be utilized for inclement weather days/school closings. Please be sure your contact information is up to date in order to receive the automated phone calls or emails. NOVEMBER 2020 CANDOR CENTRAL COMMUNICATIONS PAGE 3 TRANSPORTATION

PLEASE BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR STOPPED SCHOOL BUSES!

More and more, our drivers are being passed when the RED lights are on, and the bus is stopped. This is EXTREMELY DANGEROUS and HIGHLY ILLEGAL.

Reminders to all families - New York State Recommended Loading Procedures:

• All students should arrive at least 5 minutes early at the bus stop.

• Students should wait at least 15 feet from the road.

• When students see the bus, they should form a single line.

• Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop.

• Load in an orderly manner.

• Students must sit in their assigned seat. Each bus has students assigned to seats (one per seat or 3 in a seat if family), and attendance is taken daily for COVID tracing.

• Classroom behavior is school bus behavior. All students are expected to sit in their seat with hands, feet, and all belongings out of the aisle and kept to themselves. Reminders to parents:

• Please confirm the pickup time at the bus stop.

• Please have your child at the bus stop at least 5 minutes before the bus arrives.

• Please dress your children appropriately for the weather, just in case the bus is delayed.

• Wear bright-colored clothing whenever possible so children can be visible to all motorists.

• Supervision at the bus stop can prevent injuries and danger. Please supervise your children. If you are trying to reach the bus garage (607-659-3115) and are only able to get the voicemail, please either call the Elementary School (607-659-3935) or the High School (607-659-5020) as we are likely out on the road transporting students. Please help us keep our students safe! Sincerely,

Holly Carling Director of Transportation

NOVEMBER 2020 CANDOR CENTRAL COMMUNICATIONS PAGE 4 HIGH SCHOOL NEWS

Message from the Jr/Sr High School Principal...

As we proceed into the second marking period of the 2020-21 school year, I would like to thank all parents, students, faculty, and staff for the tremendous effort in transitioning to the remote learning model. Who would have thought that, a year ago, we would be in this situation? Our ability to improvise and adapt speaks volumes to what our school community can accomplish when we work together! Now more than ever, the importance of parental engagement in their child’s education is essential. Less direct contact with teachers means that increased parental supervision and support is a key component to a student’s success. Please continue to monitor your child’s engagement, and reach out to teachers with any questions or concerns that your child is having. Tech support is always available for students as needed. Working together gives students the best opportunity to find academic success and stay on track for graduation. As of today, we have been very fortunate not to have had to go fully remote. This is in large part due to the incredibly safe plan that our district has adopted through the COVID-19 pandemic. However, as has been the case in the past, we never know what the future holds. If the district were required to go fully remote, we would send out immediate information regarding the remote learning online schedule, requirements, and expectations. This information will be sent through School Messenger. Please be sure that your phone number(s) and email address are accurate so you will receive this information in a timely manner. Working together, we will continue to navigate these challenging times successfully. Please contact the school if you have questions or concerns.

Be well and stay safe! ~ Wayne Aman

NOVEMBER 2020 CANDOR CENTRAL COMMUNICATIONS PAGE 5 ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWS

Message from the Elementary School Principal...

Dear Candor Elementary Families,

I hope this letter finds you healthy and well! Due to the thoughtfully crafted schedule that includes small cohorts of students, we have been able to keep the building up and running aside from a few small groups of students and adults having to quarantine temporarily. It has certainly been a team effort, and we wouldn’t be experiencing this level of success without the support of families on the home front. Thank you for your continued support! On October 22nd, students in grades 2-6 received mid-trimester progress reports. Be sure to consult with your child’s teacher if you have any questions regarding your child’s progress up to this point. Report cards will be issued on December 10th, and Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held on December 11th. With this being said, please don’t wait until the end of the trimester to reach out to your child’s teacher if you have questions, as it is important that you stay in touch and ask questions throughout the year. Whether your child is attending school for half-days or learning 100% remotely, all students are considered remote learners this year. Students in the AM and PM Cohorts are considered hybrid learners, and they are also required to log in to their Google Classroom accounts and complete assignments on a daily basis. It is essential that your child receives support at home with this as the activities assigned for remote learning are a huge part of their academic success. As we continue our partnership in supporting the children in the remote learning platform, here are some tips that might help create and maintain a supportive environment for your child as they learn from home:

1. Take time to establish routines and expectations. Adhere to bedtime and morning routines. Even though children aren’t getting up and attending a regular/full school day, it is important that they are well- rested, dressed, and ready to learn. Create a schedule of learning times based on meeting times and necessary independent work times.

2. Choose a good place to learn. Create a consistent space dedicated to learning with minimal distractions. An adult should be able to keep reasonable proximity in case the child is in need of support.

3. Keep in touch with your child’s teacher. Communicate with your child’s teacher regularly, and if you have questions/concerns reach out before too much time passes.

4. Help students to be responsible for their own learning. Provide support and encouragement, but don’t help too much. Promote independence by allowing your child the opportunity to do things on their own before offering help. Repeat or rephrase directions, but don’t do it for them. Remember, struggling is part of the learning process that will lead to growth.

5. Encourage physical activity and exercise. At school, we call this “brain breaks.” Children should be given an opportunity to move around and have a break every 10-20 minutes for PreK-2nd Grade and every 30- 40 minutes for 3rd-6th Grade. You know your child best so when they need a break, allow them to choose an exercise before returning to their school work.

6. Allow your child to connect safely with friends while being respectful, responsible, safe, and caring. It is important that children feel connected to their peers during this time, and although your child’s remote learning teacher may provide some socializing opportunities, you might also want to help your child maintain contact with friends through online platforms while it isn’t safe to socialize in-person. Be sure to monitor your child’s social media use and remind your child to be respectful, responsible, safe, and caring in their communications.

Please contact me, Mr. Ahart, or your child’s classroom teacher if you would like to talk through your experience with remote learning. If there is anything we can do to help, we will certainly try! Again, thank you for your support on the home front as we navigate these unique circumstances. Sincerely, Mrs. Volpicelli NOVEMBER 2020 CANDOR CENTRAL COMMUNICATIONS PAGE 6 ATHLETICS NEWS

CANDOR ATHLETICS

Hello Candor Families, It has certainly been a challenging year so far for Candor Athletics and our school community. Our sport's seasons have been pushed back, postponed, and canceled several times over the past few months. We are anxious to return to the grind as we recognize athletics as a significant component to academics, mental well-being & physical wellness. As of this writing, ALL winter sports are slated to begin on January 4th. As our teams begin off-season workouts and look to begin their winter season, we have put into place many sanitation procedures as well as masks and social distancing policies in accordance with New York State's Guidance. Additionally, we have utilized the New York State Public High School Athletic Association's Return to Play Guidance to strengthen our return to play protocols. This year, more than any other year, ScheduleGalaxy (www.schedulegalaxy.com) will be an integral tool in staying informed with the ever-changing schedules. All of the sports season will take place under a condensed, six-month format as noted below: Season I (Winter Sports) Dates: Jan. 4-Mar. 13 Sports: basketball (girls & boys), bowling (girls & boys), *wrestling, *competitive cheer. * Because of the high-risk nature of wrestling and competitive cheer, sports may have to be moved to Season II or season III. Season II (Fall Sports) Dates: Mar. 1-May 8 Sports: football, cross country (girls & boys), field hockey, soccer (girls & boys), volleyball Season III (Spring Sports) Dates: Apr. 5-Jun. 12 Sports: baseball, softball, golf (girls & boys), outdoor track & field (girls & boys) *Please note, these dates are tentative and are subject to change Our league, the Interscholastic Athletic Conference (IAC), elected to host all winter contests with NO spectators for home or away contests. All 19 districts that make up the IAC were in agreement that this was the most responsible and safe course of action as we move into the winter season. This year we have the ability to live stream JV and Varsity games taking place in the High School gym, with consideration for doing the same for the other winter sporting events that are not held in the High School gym.

We look forward to a great start of the winter season in January! As always, thank you all for your support of the student-athletes, coaches, and teachers during this difficult time.

Sincerely, Pete Ahart Athletic Director

NOVEMBER 2020 CANDOR CENTRAL COMMUNICATIONS PAGE 7 NEWS & NOTES

Technology Department Info Essential Skills Class

Call (607)288-2890 Monday - Friday between Students Noah Burlew and Emma 8:00 am - 3:00 pm, or go to the Knickerbocker participate in Essential Skills Tech Department website at class. Here, students are incorporating their bit.ly/candortech. understanding of reading, math, and geography and culture into the real-world For help with Schoology, Google activity of cooking. These students are Classroom, or general tech help making Blini, or Russian pancakes. regarding virtual classes or assignments.

Career and Tech Center Outstanding Students of the Month

October 2020 Mya Marsh - Career Exploration Program (PM)

Criteria for Student of the Month: *Exemplary behavior resulting in a flawless behavior record for the month.

*Present and on time and prepared for class every day of the month. *Respectful, kind, generous, and cooperative with peers and adults. *Eager and motivated to learn. *Exhibits exceptional contribution to class or academic improvement in class. *Demonstrates a positive and helpful attitude towards fellow students. *All assigned work is complete for the month. Download the app to scan your receipts.

NOVEMBER 2020 CANDOR CENTRAL COMMUNICATIONS PAGE 10 CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION PROGRAM

Machine Tool Technology/Machinist

The Technology Education Department at Candor High School has embarked on a new challenge. For the first time ever, the department and the district will offer a Career and Technical Education endorsement on a Candor Central School District Diploma. The new program titled Machine Tool Technology/Machinist affords students the opportunity to learn a skill set that will set themselves apart from other graduates in our region as well as the state.

The vision of our program is to prepare students for the highly skilled trades in manufacturing and engineering, embracing the challenges of the high tech and ever-changing work environment. This approach gives all the students in the program the opportunity to grow and flourish in a setting where taking risks and failing is accepted and encouraged. We want our students to seek continuous academic improvement and become lifelong learners and problem solvers while exhibiting clear, rational thought when presented with a problem.

OVERALL PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Working in today’s high-tech manufacturing facility requires a wide range of skills. Machinists need to be prepared to read prints, select materials and methods of manufacture, program and set up machines, measure rough and finished stock, and inspect parts. By taking courses in the following sequence, students will be given the opportunity to gain advanced skills in metal machining and manufacturing: • Design and Drawing for Production CTE • Manufacturing for Production CTE • Computer Aided Drafting and Machining CAD/CAM for Production CTE • Career and Financial Management (Supplied through Candor’s Business and Economics classes.)

THE PROGRAM: Students will spend time in the classroom, learning the language of an engineer by reading and creating scaled engineering drawings. Once the basics of print reading are understood, students will spend time in a shop using manual and state of the art Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) machines in an ever increasingly rigorous manufacturing business environment. Training includes: • Basics of print reading • GD&T • Operation and setup of Manual lathes and mills • Operation and setup of CNC mills and lathes • Precision measurement and inspection • Programming of CNC lathes and milling machines • External and internal work experience and internships.

Manufacturing and

Engineering NOVEMBER 2020 CANDOR CENTRAL COMMUNICATIONS PAGE 11 CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION PROGRAM

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES: • Engineering • CNC programmer • CAD operator • Inspector • CNC setup • CNC operator

CERTIFICATES AND COLLEGE CREDIT: • Solidworks CSWA certificate • Tompkins Cortland Community College DRAF107, Engineering Graphics (2 credits) • Tompkins Cortland Community College DRAF120, Introduction to Computer Aided Drafting (2 credits) • Employability profiles will be utilized yearly, showing growth

PARTNERSHIPS: • Stork H&E Turboblading • Incodema • Custom Machining Technology • Tompkins Cortland Community College

NOVEMBER 2020 CANDOR CENTRAL COMMUNICATIONS PAGE 12 HIGH SCHOOL NEWS

The end of last school year and the beginning of this year have been challenging. Finishing projects and continuing old projects have been the focus of the Winners Circle Class. In September of 2019, the Candor Technology Education Department, in conjunction with the Winners Circle Project, started building a Factory Five Racing MK4 Shelby Cobra kit car. This 435hp monster started as a bare frame, and with the help of several key community members, the student assembled car slowly became the beast that it is today. When the class went to full remote learning in March of 2020, the car engine could be started but wasn’t at a stage where it could be driven. This was a huge blow to the students in the course as they were on track to get the car operational before an event later in the spring at Watkins Glen. The car sat quietly until September when 7 of the class’s past participants and 5 new members of the team took up tools to continue the build. The team started off troubleshooting and ultimately fixing 27 items that were left over from March. On October 15, the car took its first operational run in the high school parking lot. There were minor glitches, but nothing was glaringly wrong with the initial performance of the student-constructed vehicle. You can watch the video on the school website! These are exciting times as the team is currently working on body fitment as the doors, trunk, and hood are being trimmed and fit to make this first car a polished product. Some hurdles still need to be overcome, but progress is steady. The car must be completed by the spring so that it can compete in a series of performance tests against the Wavery High School car. Participants in the program are looking forward to seeing the car in action.

NOVEMBER 2020 CANDOR CENTRAL COMMUNICATIONS PAGE 13 NEWS & NOTES

National Honor Society The Selection Process for future members will begin in December and will be completed by the end of February 2021. It will culminate with the Induction Ceremony on March 4, 2021, at 6:30 pm in the high school auditorium. If we are unable to have an in-person event, students will be inducted, but with an alternative virtual format. The scholastically eligible students will receive a letter and application from Ms. Westervelt prior to the holiday break. Students in grades 10th - 12th are eligible to apply if their overall GPA is at least 87%. If the student chooses, they can submit their application to be further evaluated on the three additional criteria of leadership, character, and service. The selection process uses a uniform point system, guided by a very specific rubric. The use of an objective and fair system for selection is our highest priority. All students who are eligible and apply will be notified of their selection to be a member of the club by receiving a letter via the USPS mail, at least a week prior to the induction ceremony. Due to COVID-19, our volunteer events such as roadside cleanup and American Red Cross Blood drives have been put on hold. We also typically provide enrichment lessons to the 6th-grade students throughout the year, which we hope we will be able to begin sometime this school year. We look forward to when we can plan these adventures together again. Until then, be safe and enjoy the holiday season.

* Character

* Scholarship

* Leadership

* Service

NOVEMBER 2020 CANDOR CENTRAL COMMUNICATIONS PAGE 14 STUDENT SERVICES INFORMATION

College/Career Testing Information

ASVAB ACT Test Date: Registration Deadline: (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) December 12, 2020 November 6, 2020 The ASVAB career exploration program is a comprehensive career planning program that February 6, 2021 January 8, 2021 includes a multiple-aptitude test battery, an April 7, 2021 March 12, 2021 interest inventory and various career planning tools designed to help students June 12, 2021 May 7, 2021 explore career opportunities. This exam may also be used as an Armed Forces entrance Students are encouraged to register online at exam. If there are students interested in www.actstudent.org. ACT Online Prep offers helpful study tips, practice tips, and taking the exam please see Mr. Banks. more!

PSAT SAT Test Date: Registration Deadline: December 5, 2020 November 5, 2020 Candor High School will not be administering the PSAT exam this school year. Juniors March 13, 2021 February 12, 2021 should use this school year to study and prepare for the SAT exam in the spring of May 8, 2021 April 8, 2021 2021. Candor students do have access to an June 5, 2021 May 6, 2021 SAT online prep program through our Plato platform. If any students want to use this Students are encouraged to register online at platform to help prepare please contact Mr. www.collegeboard.org. College Board also Banks. In addition, The Khan Academy has a offers helpful study tips, practice tests and free SAT prep program for students to utilize more! They will even send you a daily to prepare for the exam. practice question. Students may also register in Student Services. The SAT can be taken as many times as it is offered. Check the website of the college you are interested in to see their minimum score requirement.

NOVEMBER 2020 CANDOR CENTRAL COMMUNICATIONS PAGE 15 STUDENT SERVICES INFORMATION

College/Career Testing Information

FAFSA Regents Review The Free Application for Federal The New York State Education Department Student Aid (FAFSA) is available has cancelled the January 2021 online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Students administration of the NYS High School can start to complete the FAFSA on Regents Examination Program in response October 1st, 2020 (for the 2021-2022 to the ongoing impact of the COVID–19 school year). pandemic.

Senior Meetings Candor Website Mr. Banks began senior meetings in September. Transcripts and credits are Our Candor website has a link to Student being reviewed and post-graduation Services. There are helpful links to websites plans are being discussed. If you have such as the College Board, FAFSA, and any questions please do not hesitate to other valuable links that students and contact Mr. Banks at the student parents can use for planning for the future services office. of our students: www.candorcsd.org

Student Services Office: 659-3195 Jason Banks: 9th-12th Counselor Beth Gance-Virkler: 5th-8th Counselor Leslie Thomas: Secretary

HALLOWEEN FUN HALLOWEEN FUN T R I C K O R T R E A T

HALLOWEEN FUN

HALLOWEEN FUN HALLOWEEN FUN

HALLOWEEN FUN NOVEMBER 2020 CANDOR CENTRAL COMMUNICATIONS PAGE 22 TAX INFORMATION

STAR Information The New York State School Tax Relief Program (STAR) provides homeowners with two types of partial exemptions from school property taxes. For further STAR information, contact your local assessor’s office, call toll free at 1-888-697-8275, or visit the New York State website at: http://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/property/star/index.htm.

Requirements for Basic and Enhanced STAR: Factor Basic STAR Enhanced STAR Residency You must own your home and it must be The property must be the primary residence your primary residence. of at least one age-eligible owner. Age No age restriction 65 or older All owners must be at least age 65 as of December 31 of the year of the exemption, except where the property is jointly owned by only a married couple or only siblings, in which case only one owner needs to meet the age requirement. Surviving spouses can retain an existing Enhanced STAR benefit if they’re at least age 62 as of December 31 in the year the benefit will continue. Otherwise, they may receive the Basic STAR benefit.

Income $500,000 or less for the STAR credit For 2020 benefits, $88,050 or less. $250,000 or less for the STAR For 2021 benefits, $90,550 or less. exemption The income limit applies to the combined The income limit applies to the combined incomes of all owners (residents and incomes of only the owners and owners’ non-residents), and any owner’s spouse who spouses who reside at the property. resides at the property.

Ownership The property must be owned by the eligible applicant(s). A married couple can receive only one STAR benefit regardless of how many properties they own, unless they are legally separated. Purchaser(s) in possession of the home under an executory contract of sale (aka land contract) are considered owners(s). Corporations, partnerships, and LLCs are not eligible unless it is a farm dwelling.

Candor School District utilizes Tompkins-Seneca-Tioga BOCES for tax collection services. TST BOCES performed tax collection through October 31st, at which time, by law, the remaining unpaid collection was turned over to the respective County Treasurer, and any further tax questions should now be directed there.

Tioga County Treasurer: (607)687-8668 Tompkins County Treasurer: (607)274-5502

The Salvation Army Red Kettle is in need of bell ringers for the holiday Please help us keep our records accurate! season. Bell ringing will Email any email or address changes to Denise start November 25th and Ahart, [email protected]. Newsletter items continue through December can be sent to Nancy King at 24th. Location to be [email protected]. determined.

Hard copies of the newsletter will ONLY be • COVID-19 guidelines will be in place mailed to members of the 50 year class and older. • All money collected stays in Candor. • Donations can also be made online. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for updates regarding the annual Alumni Please consider finding time in your busy Banquet for June 2021. schedules to help our community. Please call Alicha Hatch at (607)768-2042 or email at [email protected] to arrange a day and time that fits your schedule.

Candor School District Phone Numbers

District Office 659-5010 Nurse’s Office-High School 659-5225 High School Office 659-5020 Special Education Office 659-7727 Elementary Office 659-3935 Student Services 659-3195 Attendance Office (HS) 659-5873 Cafeteria Manager 659-7227 Attendance Office (EL) 659-3935 Bus Garage 659-3115 Nurse’s Office—Elementary 659-4965 Alternate School 659-7496

Happy Holidays from all of us at Candor School District.