GOOD NEWS JUNE & JULY 2020 JULY & JUNE SYRACUSE CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

WCNY ‘TV Classrooms’ Help Students Stay Connected

To provide equitable access to remote learning, SCSD is pleased to have had the opportunity to partner with WCNY to create one-of-a-kind ‘TV Classrooms.’ Streaming live Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm, online and on TV, these shows provided K-12 curriculum on ELA, math, science, health and physical education, history, and social studies. The TV Classrooms started each day with Storytime and ended with a virtual Field Trip. Lessons were taught by SCSD teachers and staff, providing students with a familiar face as they tuned in each day. see their teachers, Porter 4th grade Science teacher Ashlea Vilello worked and we don’t get to with the SCSD Science Department to record elementary see them. The TV science lessons on subjects including measurement review, Classroom lessons owl pellet dissection, FOSS lessons including mixtures, provide a little chemical reactions, properties of water and more. She normalcy to be able even went a step further to create coordinating activities students could complete in Seesaw after tuning in! recognize. My kids said it’s fun to listen to a whole science lesson...to have a and lesson then from I get start to see to thefinish work from they’re a teacher completing that they “I’ve heard from other teachers in the district that students on Seesaw and I can tell they’re watching the lessons and are tuning in,” Ms. Vilello explained. “It’s really neat to be engaging with them. This has really helped normalize the reaching kids in this way. It’s so powerful and so much fun. way we are learning right now. Relationships are everything These are hard times for everyone - the kids don’t get to in education, so being able to see a teacher that you know is such a powerful thing during this time when we’re apart.” Thank you to all of the teachers and staff who helped lead lessons through the TV Classrooms - and to WCNY for their partnership!

TV Classroom is on summer break, but you can still watch all episodes by visiting wcny.org/tvclassroom and clicking the On Demand tab. Stay tuned for summer school programs!

PHOTO CREDIT: ERIC HAYDEN, WCNY

MAILING ADDRESS PHYSICAL ADDRESS 1025 Erie Boulevard West 725 Harrison Street Syracuse, NY 13204 Syracuse, NY 13210 syracusecityschools.com Eh Hser Ku Moo - four year average of 94.0. 2020 Graduating Seniors Participated in Varsity Football and JV and Varsity A MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT IMPORTANT DATES Named Section III Scholar . He participated in the Upward Bound August 2020 program at Le Moyne College, OCC LPP and Athletes Fellowships Christian Athletes. Next year, he plans 14 Last Day of Summer School to major in Art and Design in college and after college, he wants Dear Families, 12 Board of Education Meeting The NYSPHSAA Section III Scholar Athlete Award to become a graphic and web designer. 24 Board of Education Work Session None of us could have predicted the way this school year ended. program annually recognizes two high school Institute of With a global public health pandemic forcing us to transition to 26 Board of Education Work Session seniors – one male and one female – for their Technology distance learning and racial injustice and demonstrations at the academic and athletic success. Athletic Directors at Syracuse forefront of local and national news, these are challenging times September 2020 Central indeed. from each high school nominated one male and - 7 Labor Day Alyssa Mann one female student, with the winning Scholar four year average Yet despite the trying times that we have all been navigating 8 First Day of School of 95; ranked through these past few months, I have continued to be inspired by Athletes each receiving a $100 scholarship as 9 Board of Education Meeting 10th in her senior the strength of our students, staff and families - and the support of well as a plaque. Congratulations to this year’s class. Participated our community. 11 Board of Education Audit Session recipients! in 23 Board of Education Work Session and softball. She From a Grant teacher who ran a food pantry out of his garage to plans to attend Syracuse University, where she plans to study Franklin students participating in a remote coloring contest and 28 Board of Education Work Session Corcoran High School cybersecurity. so much more, I am proud of the innovative ways our students and Jisela Turner - four year average of 99.7; ranked 6th in her senior class. Participated in indoor and outdoor track. She is a Fundi Juriasi - four year average of 92; ranked staff have remained engaged and continued showing up for each member of National Honor Society and the Corcoran ‘Seeds of 15th in his senior class. Participated in , other. During these trying times, we have seen so many examples Peace’ group. Next year, she plans to attend St. Francis College in and he was named a Silver Club member in of students and staff going above and beyond to do what is right Educational Brooklyn, where she plans to study Communications and the Arts Olympics of the Mind. and to keep forging ahead. Foundation Grant in preparation for a career in social activism. Nottingham High School Applications for the Connor Shanahan Of course, this newsletter is largely focused on our graduating Adonia Wade - four year average of 93; ranked 33rd in her 2020-2021 School his senior class, serving as Valedictorian. Participated in indoor seniors - the SCSD Class of 2020. This group of young people saw senior class. Participated in volleyball, softball and basketball. Year Available Now and outdoor track. He - four was year named average a National of 102.9; Merit ranked first in the end to their senior year cut short, missing proms, athletics, a She was named Volleyball Team Captain, Softball Team Captain This is a reminder that application Scholarship Finalist, served as Cross Country team traditional graduation ceremony and other rites of passage. Yet and was named to the All-CNY Softball Team and forms for 2020-2021 Foundation captain and indoor/outdoor distance team captain. this group is poised to move on to the next step in their lives, and I All-Section III Softball team. She participated in Grants are available online and the He also took part in the Ski Club and Robotics Club, know they will do so as leaders and change makers. the National Honor Society and was named a due date for submitting applications is Scholar Athlete of the Month each year, grades Championships. Next year, he plans to attend Syracuse University, When you have the opportunity, please be sure to stop and Friday, October 9. 9-12, in addition to serving on the Yearbook Club. where hehis plans team toqualified study Sports for the Analytics. Robotics World congratulate a student in your life for persevering through these She plans to attend State University at Grant applications may only be current challenges. We look forward to returning to a more Albany, where she would like to study journalism. submitted for consideration Henninger High School normal school life as soon as we are able, and in the meantime, we by employees of the Syracuse City Faith Eberst - four year average of 92.36; ranked 16th in her Lucian De Nevers appreciate your continued support. class, serving as Valedictorian. Particicipated in JV and Varsity School District. Only digitally senior class. Participated in cross country, indoor track and crew. She received the Patrick F. Spadafora Award for Outstanding soccer and varsity - four year all average four years. of 102; He ranked was named first inVarsity his Sincerely, submitted applications will be Henninger Junior Female Student-Athlete, Citizenship and Soccer Captain, Varsity Swimming Captain and Burgos Swimming accepted. Scholastics. She Invitational Scholarship Winner. He also received the Harvard APPLY FOR A GRANT! participated in Book Award, was the National Honor Society President, an Eagle scsdfoundation.com Drama Club, held a Scout and competed in NYS DECA, as well as the Community- leadership position Wide Dialogue Program and Key Club. He plans to attend college in her school’s where he would like to major in political science or physics. Fellowship of Christian Athletes PSLA at Fowler SCSD Seniors Receive Delta Sigma Theta Scholarships huddle, was an Ridwan Sirad - four year average of 93; ranked 6th in his senior JUNE &JULY 2020 Six SCSD seniors have received college scholarships from the active member class. Participated in soccer. He was named Team Captain, Team Student Recognitions Syracuse Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., of her school’s MVP, Athlete of the Week, First Team All League 2019, Class A in collaboration with the Delta Torch Foundation. For their climate team and Player of the Year 2019 and All CNY 2019. He was a member participated in her of the CNY Central Soccer Club and attended the Section 3 SCSD Educational Foundation Scholarship service, each student received a $1,000 scholarship! school’s orchestra. Leadership Conference in 2019. He plans to attend Le Moyne Henninger High School graduate and outstanding academic achievements and selfless community In the summer College. Congratulations to Suado Mohamed (Corcoran), Delta SCSD Educational Board Foundation entering her senior year, Faith went on a week-long mission trip Torch Foundation & GWM Book Award (an additional $300 Jedaiah Ginty - four year average 93; ranked student representative Rocco Tedd to West Virginia with her Church to volunteer and help with scholarship); Apriah Scruggs (ITC), Delta Torch Foundation; 5th in her senior class. Participated in volleyball, was the 2020 Educational Foundation home repairs at Nazareth Farm. Next year, she plans to attend Hawa Omar (PSLA at Fowler), Delta Torch Foundation; DeAsjia basketball and indoor and outdoor track. She was scholarship recipient. He will be attending Syracuse University as a Nutrition Major with a Minor in Exercise named to Honor Roll all four years and received JUNE & JULY 2020 JULY & JUNE Harris (Nottingham), Criss/Marsh Scholarship; Anahje DeLee SUNY Morrisville in the fall, majoring in to become a Registered Dietician in Sports Nutrition. (Corcoran), Saunders/Phillips Scholarship; and Destiny Jackson- a NJROTC Outstanding Performance and Duty Agriculture Business Development. Parker (Nottingham), Gina Renee Hayden Scholarship! Award. She plans to attend Keuka College.

2 SCSD NEWS SCSD NEWS 3 ITC Valedictorians & Salutatorians “Always hold yourself to a high standard and never settle for less.” — Aphone Paing, Corcoran Salutatorian

SCSD students, always put your best foot was announced as the salutatorian. Being forward and follow your dreams, because both female immigrants, I felt so proud of you can do it. us for being the top two in our class. Our accomplishments give a message to many SALUTATORIAN Huy Ho students that accomplishment does not University of Southern depict race, color, gender, or religion. If Nottingham California, Human Biology you work hard for something, you will be Congratulations, Best thing you’ve learned rewarded. over the course of your time in the SCSD: The best thing I’ve learned is SALUTATORIAN Roda Ntiranyibagira that reputation doesn’t matter. What matters Syracuse University, Biomedical Sciences Class of 2020! CORCORAN HIGH SCHOOL is the thing between your ears and what you What is something major do with it. you hope to achieve in life? Congratulations to the Corcoran, Henninger, ITC, VALEDICTORIAN Connor Shanahan My career. I want to become Nottingham and PSLA at Fowler students who Syracuse University, Sports Analytics NOTTINGHAM HIGH a surgeon because my little recently celebrated an important milestone: high brother has Down Syndrome Best thing you’ve learned SCHOOL school graduation! Many of these hardworking over the course of your and was born with a congenital students have plans to continue their time in the SCSD: Don’t be VALEDICTORIAN Lucian de Nevers heart defect. I have always been interested in afraid to ask questions. I Stanford University, Political Science medicine, and I am passionate about helping education at prestigious institutions other people. used to be embarrassed to Advice for current SCSD including Syracuse University, Brown ask questions but it’s really students: I think in the University, West Point, Columbia more embarrassing to not ask. Advice for SCSD we have so many great PSLA AT FOWLER University, Harvard University, RIT and current SCSD students: Get involved with opportunities open to us, but VALEDICTORIAN Ashley Yang so many others. Others have plans to a community somehow. Whether its sports, it’s really up to us to utilize the Cornell University, Biomedical Engineering enter the workforce, to create their other clubs, or the community around you, great teachers and staff that being part of a community will introduce you that are here to see us succeed. That can be Proudest moment in high Henninger own business or to enter the military. to new people and will make you a stronger harder for some students than other students school: When I got accepted Collectively, this group has person. depending on the environment they are great ambition to enact coming from, but there will be support along generation immigrant and SALUTATORIAN Aphone Paing into Cornell. I’m a first- change. Wherever their the way if you reach out for it. neither of my parents have Colgate University, Mathematics pursued higher education. paths take them, we wish Best thing you’ve learned SALUTATORIAN Timothy Vanable By getting into such a prestigious school, the Class of 2020 continued over the course of your time Columbia University, Political Science it shows that the hardships my parents success! Want more photos? in the SCSD: The diverse Best thing you’ve learned over endured by coming to America have not been in vain. I can get a good education and Check out SCSD’s Flickr page environment at our school the course of your time in the Visit www.syracusecityschools.com taught me to accept and love SCSD: That the quality of your provide a better life for the next generation. our differences, not only of our education isn’t determined by SALUTATORIAN Hector many cultures but of who we are as a person. how well-resourced your school Ferrer-Menendez Our differences truly make us a community. is, but rather by the amazing Advice for current SCSD students: Always peers and teachers that surround you every Syracuse University, Aerospace

hold yourself to a high standard and never day. The people at Nottingham are incredible. Engineering JUNE &JULY 2020 settle for less. Best thing you’ve learned INSTITUTE OF over the course of your time in the SCSD: HENNINGER HIGH SCHOOL Stay in school and stay off the streets. Stay TECHNOLOGY AT focused on your education, and try to make VALEDICTORIAN Afiya Rahman SYRACUSE CENTRAL something of yourself. And appreciate your Harvard University , Biomedical Engineering teachers. We have a lot of teachers here VALEDICTORIAN Pich Chet Advice for current SCSD who are so helpful – if it wasn’t for them, I students: My advice to Syracuse University, Broadcast wouldn’t be where I am. They motivated me SCSD student is to never feel and Digital Journalism and to keep going and kept telling me that I’m discouraged. Many people have Business Management going to be something great one day. JUNE & JULY 2020 JULY & JUNE looked down upon me because Proudest moment in high of where I go to school, but I school: My proudest moment in high school don’t think I would’ve achieved what I’ve is being announced as the class valedictorian achieved at any other school. So to my fellow along with my amazing friend, Roda, who Corcoran PSLA at Fowler

4 SCSD NEWS SCSD NEWS 5 Routines at Home SCSD families worked hard to establish School During COVID-19 daily routines during the challenge of learning at home. Here’s a sample from from one Webster Elementary family!

Grant Math Teacher Creates might need. One student has a peanut allergy,take note so of the specific Seidmans items were a family careful Home-Based Food Pantry to make that family a box without Grant 6th grade Math teacher Brad nut products. Another family was Seidman was conducting his twice in need of health and beauty items, weekly phone wellness checks with so they included toothbrushes and Grant families when he had an idea. deodorant. In just a month, more than 100 boxes were made and delivered “During wellness checks, we’re to families. Some families received supposed to check in with students to just one box; others, based on need, see how they’re doing and what they received more than one. might need,” Mr. Seidman explained. “One mother I spoke with was crying “One parent called me crying to say on the phone. Her daughter has a thank you for doing this,” Mr. Seidman heart condition and she was afraid to explained. “She said this added Art assignment completed by student Matthew Castellanos, go out and put her daughter at risk of support helps them get through Roberts PK-8, using materials found at home. getting sick, so I put together a box of a week or two when they don’t food and delivered it to her house.” have extra food available to them. In our family, we try to encourage Social-Emotional Learning these trying times. We’re all in this a social-distancing safe drive through. The next day, he had a similar Seventeen families showed up to claim members and groups like Syracuse community involvement. I try to reach Starts at Home! conversation with another family. all of my students and this is a way #SCSDPride! Hebrew Day School, Erin’s Angels and together, and your efforts fill us with to help those who really need help. Gia, pictured here. #SCSDGivesThanks “After two calls like that, I realized: the Allyn Foundation, Mr. Seidman their donuts, including first grader There are so many people locally - to the community groups that have we have to do something more,” Mr. started organizing a full scale food provided ways for our students to stay and nationally - who have lost their Whether your child is in school Seidman said. pantry in his garage. With his wife engaged during these unique times, jobs. This is a way we can help our receiving additional supports or at and two school-aged children, he and to our staff who go above and He created a post online calling for families who are struggling to put home with you, social emotional started packing boxes of food and beyond to encourage their students to donations of food - or money to food on their table. No one should be learning is important. Please check snacks that would help feed a family keep actively learning and developing purchase food - and also emailed a out these tips that you can use at for a week or two. Wearing gloves, he their skills! call to Grant staff. After coordinating sanitized everything prior to packing times for everyone.” home to help connect with your child with school staff, including Promise hungry, ever. These are such difficult it for families. Thank you to Mr. Seidman for and help your whole family become Zone Staff, Contact Community leading this effort, and to the Grant more mindful and connected! The Services staff, social workers and Grant staff volunteered to pick up the staff and community members and SCSD has shared a handful of detailed teachers, a bigger effort was born. completed boxes and bring them to organizations who have contributed! tips, including videos and other With support from community families, even going the extra mile to suggested activities, on our website: syracusecityschools.com. Franklin Students Participate School Closures Don’t Stop in Digital Coloring Contest SCSD Sites Now Serving as WiFi Hot Spots SCSD Students and Staff from What an awesome opportunity for

Learning - or Giving Back! Franklin Elementary #SCSDArts JUNE &JULY 2020 To help ensure that all students are able to access the digital materials they Hot Spot Parking Lots Despite school closures, SCSD students students! Art teacher Kristen need while distance learning, the District has activated several WiFi hot spots. Corcoran | 919 Glenwood Ave. continued to engage in their learning Raymond asked the owners at Glazed and Confused if her students could The SCSD community may now access free WiFi in the main parking lot of Henninger | 600 Robinson St. through unique projects and activities. Staff found ways to show their concern participate in their coloring contest Seymour Elementary, Webster Elementary, Nottingham High School, and Nottingham | 3100 E. Genesee St. PSLA at Fowler. This is the same internet access that students would have by creating videos telling their students by submitting entries digitally, and PSLA at Fowler | 227 Magnolia St. how much they are missed. Students the shop agreed. Thirty Seymour | 108 Shonnard St. and staff found ways to connect with students submitted entries Logging On while in school and is filtered appropriately. STEAM at Dr. King | 416 E. Raynor Ave. each other, and also to give back to the via Seesaw, and the shop 1. Select ‘SCSD Vendor’ from your WiFi settings donated enough donuts for JUNE & JULY 2020 JULY & JUNE Van Duyn | 401 Loomis Ave. community. We appreciate our SCSD 2. You will be redirected to a browser to sign onto the network community for being dedicated during students who participated Webster | 500 Wadsworth St. to pick them up at school in 3. Enter student username and password into the spaces noted. Click on the syracusecityschools.com accept the terms of use checkbox and select ‘Log in’.

6 SCSD NEWS SCSD NEWS 7 SYRACUSE CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT Non-Profit 1025 Erie Boulevard West | Syracuse, NY 13204 Org. U.S. Postage PAID Syracuse, NY MISSION Permit 2563 To build, support and sustain school communities that provide all students with a high-quality education that prepares them to graduate as responsible, active citizens ready for success in college and careers and prepared to compete in a global economy.

VISION To prepare and inspire all of our students to innovate locally and contribute globally.

BOARD OF EDUCATION Katie Sojewicz, President Mark D. Muhammad, Ed.D., Vice President Tamica Barnett Pat Body David Cecile Derrick Dorsey Dan Romeo ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Jaime Alicea, Superintendent Patricia Clark, Chief Ombuds/ Student Support Services Officer Dean DeSantis, Chief Operations Officer Laura Kelley, Ed.D., Chief Academic Officer Christopher Miller, Ed.D., Chief Human Resources Officer Timothy Moon, Chief Accountability Officer Suzanne Slack, Chief Financial Officer Monique Wright-Williams, Chief of Staff NYS Contact Tracing NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION Complete the The Syracuse City School District hereby advises Answer the phone! students, parents, employees and the general Census Today public that it is committed to providing equal As we battle access to all categories of employment, programs The League of coronavirus together, and educational opportunities, including career Women Voters tracing exposures to and technical education opportunities, regardless COVID is important to NYS of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, and Onondaga Contact Native American ancestry/ethnicity, creed or Votes encourage stop the spread. religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, age, Tracing The NYS Contact gender identity or expression, disability or any other he Syracuse community ANSWER legally protected category under federal, state or to complete the Census. Tracing Program local law. works with confirmed If you are not counted in Inquiries regarding the District’s non-discrimination positive COVID-19 policies should be directed to: the 2020 Census, your people to determine community loses money who they have been in contact with. Civil Rights Compliance Officer Trained specialists reach out to those Syracuse City School District and resources for another 725 Harrison Street • Syracuse, NY 13210 contacts about possible exposure. If (315) 435-4131 10 years! you have been identified as a contact Email: [email protected] you will get a call from “NYS Contact 2020census.gov Tracing” (518-387-9993). (844) 330-2020 English Because the disease can be (844) 418-2020 Spanish transmitted without symptoms, More languages available online notifying people about a possible 2020census.gov exposure is critical to stop the spread. So, if you get a call from “NYS Contact Complete the form mailed to you Tracing” (518-387-9993) please and mail back. answer. It is confidential and private. >> Share your questions, comments or concerns 24/7 using the Let’s Talk tool at www.syracusecityschools.com