Quarterly Publication of VERNON-VERONA-SHERRILL CENTRAL SCHOOL • CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT OF THE CITY OF SHERRILL www.vvsschools.org FALL 2013 VVS - IT’S A GREAT PLACE TO LEARN! Superintendent’s Message

Dear VVS School Community, The start of a new school year offers many opportunities to build upon our past success and take on the many challenges school provides for students during the school years and beyond, challenges that focus on preparing our students for success as 21st century citizens. The pages of this issue of the Sheveron Communicator celebrate student, faculty, and community successes from the past school year and provide a glimpse of our 2013-2014 pursuits. It is well understood that education faces many challenges today. Education continues to undergo unprecedented change influenced by social, economic, and political forces. This places a great deal of pressure on students, teachers, support staff, parents, and the community who desire an outstanding educational opportunity for our children. We have much to be proud of here at VVS and will need to continue to work hard as a team of talented and dedicated teachers, concerned and involved parents, dedicated administrators, and collaborative community members to navigate our way through these challenging times. It is through our collective efforts that we provide excellent opportunities for our children to learn and succeed in all aspects of their lives, both now and in the future. During the last school year I sought opportunities to spend time with community, school, and parent groups in order to listen to your opinions regarding the school district. These efforts will continue throughout this school year. I encourage all community members to take advantage of these opportunities to share your thoughts. These are informal gatherings where we spend an hour discussing how we can work together on behalf of the VVS School District. Please mark your calendar and plan to spend an hour with me at one of the times below. An Hour with the Superintendent Saturday, September 14, 2013 - 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. High School Media Center Tuesday, October 8, 2013 - 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Middle School Media Center Tuesday, November 5, 2013 - 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. W.A. Wettel Elementary School Media Center Monday, December 2, 2013 - 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. E.A. McAllister Elementary School Media Center Tuesday, December 3, 2013 - 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. J.D. George Elementary School Media Center It is a privilege for me to have the opportunity to serve this community as your Superintendent of Schools. I deeply appreciate the confidence of the Board of Education that allows me to continue to serve this fine community and look forward to meeting more of you as we work together on behalf of our children during this school year – and in the years to come. I am extremely proud of this community, its people, its children, its faculty, its staff, and its Board of Education. VVS is a great place to learn, to work, and to live! Warmest Regards,

Martha K. Group Superintendent of Schools page 2 In The Spotlight . . . Sixty-Third Annual VVS Commencement It was a proud moment for our VVS community as 156 students received their diplomas on June 22, 2013. Seventy-six of these graduates were honor graduates with an overall average of 90 or above. Students in this class will be remembered for their community work, accomplishments in the arts and athletics, and compassion for others. We wish these students well as they represent the VVS community at colleges and universities, in the work force, and in the armed forces.

Valedictorian – Melissa Schmalz In the fall I will be attending SUNY Geneseo and I will major in Biology with a concentration in pre-med. After I get my bachelor’s degree, I plan on going to medical school and becoming a medical doctor. I either want to work in pediatrics or orthopedics. I have played on the girls’ varsity tennis team for the last three years and have been co-captain for the last two. I have participated in many clubs throughout high school and have represented my class as a class officer. In the summer I work as a counselor at Madison County Children’s Camp. My advice to my graduating class is to stay focused because we have potential and it it is up to us to shape the future. I also realize that it is important to respect each other’s differences and to remember that we all have unique talents and different things to bring to the table. I would like to always be known for working hard and trying my best, as well as being kind and accepting toward others.

Salutatorian – Paige Zupan I will be attending Hamilton College in the fall of 2013. I will major in biology and minor in either psychology or communications. After college at Hamilton, I hope to continue to pursue my studies in a health-related field, possibly attending medical school. I spend much of my time participating in athletics, including field hockey and basketball. I also enjoy being a lifeguard and swim instructor in the summertime. I make the most of my free time spending it with my friends and family. My advice is to be confident and never doubt yourself. Once you establish a goal in your life, then you need to focus and stay determined. In the end, you are bound to succeed; however, don’t ever forget to pursue those opportunities that excite and interest you. I would like to be known as an individual who is dedicated and motivated to achieve my personal goals, but equally invested in helping others achieve their goals. I hope to be seen as an independent woman who has integrity, is well-rounded, and respected by others. Congratulations Class of 2013 Graduates! page 3 Principal Andy Brown, Paige Zupan - Salutatorian Samantha Netzband - Class President Melissa Schmalz - Valedictorian

Class of 2013 Post-Graduation Plans Joshua S. Albro MVCC Alexia R. Cooper Utica College Jordan P. Grow Work Megan L. Alley OCC Margaret M. Curtis University of Lamarr G. Hallagan Work David L. Anderson SUNY IT Rochester Brittany J. Havener MVCC Tara L. Ano MVCC Molly R. D’Agostino MVCC Kyra R. Hereth SUNY Oneonta Donald L. Barroncini MVCC Nathan T. Desnoyers Clarkson Heather M. Hickey MVCC University Zachery R. Baslow Marines Kaitlinn E. Hull OCC Ashley A. Doane MVCC Codie M. Bayeur-Clarke MVCC Marc T. Iseneker St. John Fisher Kaitlyn M. Doane Medaille College Jacob J. Bitz Cazenovia College Christian V. Jeannotte MVCC Dylan R. Doherty USC The Lawrence W. Boice Work Business College Shanece M. Jeffers MVCC Anthony M. Borst Work Jenna A. Dunne Utica College Bryan C. Joanis Crane of Music @ SUNY Potsdam John R. Bowers Cazenovia College Jarett D. Durant MVCC Nathaniel Johnson MVCC Joseph A. Brown D’Youville College Jolene C. Durant OCC Shauna M. Jones MVCC Brian B. Burkle, Jr. OCC William C. Durfee SUNY IT Alexis C. Kavanaugh Ball State (IN) Cody J. Burress UNOTI Andrew K. Eaton Work Matthew C. Kimball St. John Fisher Taras A. Carter, Jr. MVCC Samantha L. Eilts Undecided Kaylee A. Kobler MVCC Marissa J. Casler Undecided Erick R. Faherty Morrisville Zachary P. Kotwica MVCC Anna C. Catello SUNY Morrisville Kayla N. Fazekas Syracuse Christina M. LaClair Cazenovia College James E. Catello Work Sean P. Fewer OCC Shawn M. Lamb Undecided Kimberly A. Catello Work Jared S. Fiacco SUNY Binghamton Kyle T. Levatino SUNY IT Megan W. Centore Medaille College Brett D. Field, Jr. Colgate University Taylor R. Ligoci Morrisville Ryan M. Chaires Le Moyne College James R. Flagler St. John Fisher College Bradley D. Long Utica College Matthew Chamberlin Undecided Samuel L. Frarey MVCC Morgan M. Lyman Utica College Caitlin E. Chandler OCC Sebrena M. Fromey Undecided Seth M. MacDonald WPI (MA) Patience M. Christman FMCC Sean R. Furman SUNY IT Samantha L. Maggiolino MVCC Erin C. Ciccotti SUNY Delhi Ashley M. Gartrell Utica College Audrey L. Makarchuk MVCC Kathryn G. Clark Cazenovia College Samantha A. Gates Cayuga Randy L. Clark Undecided Community College Bryan K. Marchand Utica College CarynAnn M. Clendening SUNY Oneonta LeeAnn M. Gawarecki Bryant & Stratton Benjamin Martin OCC Nichiah M. Comstock HCCC Ryan T. Geer VPA @ Syracuse University Colby L. Mason Undecided Jenna R. Condes University @ Buffalo Alicia E. Gowans Springfield College (MA) Matthew M. McCall Robert Weslyan College Erin R. Confer Utica College Andrew W. Gregory, Jr. HCCC Continued on next page...... page Class of 2013 Post-Graduation Plans 4 Continued from previous page..... Benjamin A. McEwen Cornell University Jacob Romeo SUNY Oneonta Kaitlyn Thomas SUNY Morrisville Kevin M. Miner Work Adam M. Ross Misericordia (PA) Morgan L. Todd Cazenovia College Molly M. Mumford Undecided Matthew W. Ross MVCC Sullivan J. Twiss MVCC Zachary R. Musacchio-Davis SUNY IT Michael P. Ross SUNY ESF Devin R. Vallee Messiah College Daniel P. Musgrove Undecided Mark P. Rugg MVCC Colin M. VanNamee MVCC Samantha M. Netzband Syracuse University Courtney M. Rusaw Undecided Daniel T. Van Riper Utica College Monica L. Newnham St. John Fisher Jeremy J. Saunders MVCC Emily R. Wagner University @ Buffalo Shannon A. Nisiewicz Pratt MWP Alexander P. Saville Monroe Community Savanah M. Wallis St. Elizabeth’s School of Kyle D. Ossont OCC College Nursing Zachary Page MVCC Katherine Scherz Cazenovia College Jessica L. Wandell Work Alexis C. Patricia MVCC Deanna K. Schiebel MVCC Steven P. Watson MVCC Gage T. Patry NAVY Melissa E. Schmalz SUNY Geneseo Alexandra M. Wean Morrisville Courtney L. Pitcher Wells College Nicole L. Scotto Broome Community Kyra B. Wells Air Force College Bradley R. Poppleton Johnson & Wales Alex S. West Work Justin M. Seifert Work Kayla D. Prentice Syracuse University Michelle S. Wickard MVCC Kendrick H. Sirles Undecided Arik D. Prichard Culinary Institute of Tasha L. Wilson MVCC America Garrett Skinner Undecided Emily J. Woodworth Niagara Kasey D. Proper MVCC Jessica D. Smith Utica College Community College Cody J. Ranney Work Amanda E. Snizek Siena College Daniel H. Wossner, Jr. SUNY Morrisville Snezhana Rasko MVCC Melinda L. Stanton Le Moyne College Brianna H. Wright MVCC Yefim Rasko Undecided Nicholas P. Stoltz SUNY ESF Brianna Young Undecided Hakeem R. Rathbun Utica College Laura J. Strobel St. Lawrence University Paul J. Ziarko SUNY IT Shannon J. Reilly University of Allie M. Szczerba Ithaca College Olivia M. Zumpano Le Moyne College Northwestern Ohio Sean M. Tarry Year off –medical Paige D. Zupan Hamilton College Clara L. Richardson SUNY Cobleskill Aaron R. Teater Undecided Ryan M. Roberson Undecided Chelsea I. Theriault SUNY IT

Class of 2013 Academic Excellence Scholarship Winners The New York State Board of Regents has selected 6 students from Vernon-Verona-Sherrill high school as the 2013 Academic Excellence scholarship winners for outstanding academic accomplishment. Pictured are: Principal Andy Brown, Seth MacDonald, Paige Zupan, Sean Furman, Melissa Schmalz, Ben McEwen, Paul Ziarko First Day of School page The first day of school for students is Thursday, September 5. SCHOOL HOURS: 5 W.A. Wettel – Vernon...... 8:25 – 3:15 VVS Middle School...... 7:40 – 2:21 J.D. George – Verona...... 8:35 – 3:20 VVS High School...... 7:40 – 2:21 E. A. McAllister – Sherrill...... 8:25 – 3:15 Enrollment Parents of resident students may enroll students at the individual school buildings between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Parents are encouraged to call the school to schedule a time to complete the registration. Immunizations Students must be fully immunized in order to attend school. For information on immunization clinics, call the Oneida County Health Department at 798-5747 or the Madison County Health Department at 366-2361. Transportation GETTING TO SCHOOL AND BACK Families will receive transportation information in the mail prior to the beginning of school. This information will be included in the buildings’ principals’ welcome back packet.

Here are some helpful reminders for students and parents to remember for the first few weeks of school. • Plan to be at your bus stop 10 minutes early. Bus routes change each year due to changes in enrollment. However, the bus could also be delayed as parents take first day of school pictures and drivers learn the routes. • Teach your children to let the bus driver know if they have missed their stop. It may take a week for drivers to become familiar with new driving assignments and new students. • Teach your child his or her home address, telephone number, and bus number. • Be patient with the expected drop off at the end of the school day. It may take a week for the routine to become established. If you have questions regarding bus routes, delays, missed pick-ups or other transportation concerns, please contact Transportation Supervisor Jim Hurd at 829-7415. Walkers, riders, and student drivers should refer to the student and family handbook for information about walking, riding bicycles, and driving to school. Parents who drive students to school are asked to follow the driving patterns in the school parking lots and to avoid the bus lanes. Drivers must stop for a stopped school bus with the lights flashing regardless of the location of the bus. Emergency School Closing or Delays: The following radio and television stations will carry emergency school closings or delay information: Radio Television WSYR – Syracuse WKTV – TV Channel 2 Utica WIXT – TV Channel 9 Syracuse WIBX – Utica WSTM – TV Channel 3 Syracuse YNN – TV Channel 10 Syracuse WMCR - Oneida WTVH – TV Channel 5 Syracuse School Lunch Prices Elementary $1.50 Secondary $1.75 Reduced Price Breakfast/Lunches $.25 Breakfast $.85 Milk (white) $.50 Milk (flavored) $.50 page School News: 6 W.A. Wettel Elementary School • Open House September 19 829-2520, ext. 7300 Mr. Vincent Pompo, Principal Ms. Barbara Hollister, Secretary Mrs. Sarah Spitzer, Clerk New Faculty and Staff Dominick Timpano, Special Education Teacher J.D. George Elementary School • Open House September 5 829-2520, ext. 7360 Mrs. Kimberly LeBlanc, Principal Mrs. Jacqueline Cosimeno, Secretary Ms. Nancy Clark, Clerk New Faculty and Staff Barbara Wilkinson, Art/Math Teacher E.A. McAllister Elementary School • Open House September 10 829-2520, ext. 7330 Mr. James Rozwod, Principal Mrs. Amanda Cameron, Secretary, Mrs. Heidi Schaal, Clerk VVS Middle School • Open House September 3 829-2520, ext. 7444 Mrs. Carrie Hodkinson, Principal Ms. Kimberly Havener, Secretary Ms. Lucianna Kapps, Guidance Counselor Mrs. Sue Campbell, Secretary New Faculty and Staff Mrs. Christina Ballard – School Social Worker

VVS Middle School students will receive their homeroom assignments in their summer mailing. On the first day of school, Thursday, September 5th, students will report to their homerooms where they will receive their class schedules. Students are reminded to return completed free and reduced lunch forms, along with any other forms and fees needed the first day. VVS High School • Open House September 11 829-2520, ext. 7446 Mr. Andy Brown, Principal Mrs. Jill Collins, Secretary Mrs. Judy Adsit, Secretary Mrs. Erin Sanchez, Interim Assistant Principal Mrs. Adrienne Muller, Guidance Director Mrs. Karen Holton, Guidance Counselor Mr. Kristofer Sullivan, Guidance Counselor Mrs. Heather Bauer, Guidance Secretary New Faculty and Staff Elizabeth Molloy, Social Studies Teacher VVS High School students will receive important school information in their summer mailing. Please be sure to return any parental consent forms by the date indicated. On the first day of school, Thursday, September 5th, students’ home base room assignments will be posted in the lobby. Students will then report to home base where they will receive their class schedules, handbook/planners, and additional information. Students are reminded to return updated Student Emergency Contact Form and completed free and reduced lunch forms, along with any other forms and fees needed the first day. page VVS High School Musicians 7 Take to the Stage in Front of Thousands The Bushnell Center was host to 362 of the most musically talented high school students in the Eastern region of the United States who recently performed in the 2013 NAFME All-Eastern Honors Choir. Selected to perform in the All-Eastern Mixed Chorus from VVS High School were Bryan Joanis and Ryan Geer. With the assistance of their music teacher, Mrs. Brandie Collins, these exceptional students prepared remarkably challenging music that they performed under the leadership of prominent conductor, Dr. Z. Randall Stroope. The students spent three days in early April rehearsing with Dr. Stroope. The 2013 NAFME All-Eastern Honor Ryan Geer, Mrs. Brandie Collins Choir performed for an audience of thousands on Sunday, April 7, 2013 at the Bushnell and Bryan Joanis Center for the Performing Arts in Hartford CT. Bryan Joanis is the son of Steven and Deborah Joanis. Ryan Geer is the son of Tammy and Thomas Geer.

Taking Learning Outside of the Classroom High school students Emily Dugan, Kelly Breckenridge, Juli Finley, and Allison Holmes attended the Annual Helen and Leon Sperling Holocaust Lecture in Utica. Guest speaker Dr. Sol Messinger discussed his memories as a passenger aboard the “Voyage of the Damned.” Messinger, his parents, and over 900 other Jews escaping Nazi persecution boarded the USS St. Louis to emigrate from Germany, only to be turned away by Cuba and the United States. The ship had no choice but to return to Europe where most of the passengers ultimately faced the horrors of the Holocaust. Attending this lecture helped bring the content presented in the social studies curriculum to life for these lucky students.

Pitching In to Help Out Teenagers are often found sleeping in on Saturday mornings but not a group of National Honor Society and Interact Club students, who took to the streets of Sherrill to help senior citizens clean up their yards. Twice a year, students brave the elements to help local community members. Mrs. Donna Schonewetter, VVS High School Interact Club Advisor, shared, “The students seemed to truly enjoy meeting some of the senior citizens we helped.” Look for these students who will be taking to the streets again this fall! page 8 Middle School... A Place to Learn & Grow Creating Future Leaders and Well-Rounded Citizens Well, it is that time of year again, and the first day of school is just around the corner. My name is Carrie Hodkinson, and I am the middle school principal. On behalf of our middle school faculty and staff, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to the 2013-2014 school year. We look forward to the achievements and opportunities ahead for our students. Our students should continue to grow academically, as well as socially and emotionally. In order for students to be successful, it is important that students, parents, faculty, and staff work together. We are excited to watch all of our students continue to grow and develop into future leaders and well-rounded citizens. We would like to welcome Mrs. Diana Adams, our new special education teacher, and Mrs. Kathryn Hess, the new district-wide orchestra instructor, to the middle school, who joins us from the high school. As you may be aware, we have been involved in raising standards and accountability for students, teachers, and administrators. As a result, we are continuing to focus our attention on curriculum, instruction, assessment, and students’ social-emotional needs. Our teachers utilize the Common Core Learning Standards as the foundation for their lessons. Middle school teachers have been busy developing interdisciplinary units and projects that align with the standards. They frequently incorporate a variety of technology into their lessons in order to prepare our students to be college and career ready. Eighth grade students will be taking New York State Assessments in the following areas at various times during the months of April through June of the 2013-14 school year: ELA (English Language Arts), Math, and Science. Seventh grade students will be taking New York State Assessments in ELA and Math. SEPTEMBER CALENDAR Tuesday, September 3, 2013 Open House @ 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 3, 2013 Superintendent’s Conference Day Wednesday, September 4, 2013 Superintendent’s Conference Day Thursday, September 5, 2013 First Day of School K-12 Friday, September 13, 2013 Middle School Fundraiser Kick-Off Friday, September 27, 2013 Middle School Dance/Activity Night 7-10 p.m.

Please mark your calendar with the above dates. Our Open House will be Tuesday, September 3rd at 6:30 p.m., at which time there will be a brief presentation in the auditorium. Thereafter, all of the faculty and staff will be available near their classrooms or offices for a meet and greet type of format. Students will have the opportunity to set up their lockers as well. Students, I encourage you to welcome the challenge of a new school year and wish you success on your journey. I look forward to working with each one of you. Thank you in advance for your support and cooperation in making VVS Middle School a great place to learn!

Carrie Hodkinson, Principal page W.A. Wettel Elementary School 9 Teamwork Does Work! Staff, Students, and Families Team for Success Welcome back! I hope you all had a great summer vacation with friends and loved ones. I look forward to the new school year with a great deal of enthusiasm. As I reflect on the 2012/2013 school year, I want to thank all staff, faculty and our families for the many goals we achieved over the last several months. I am happy to report that the goals set forth at the start of the 2012/2013 school year were realized. Due to the great work and efforts of many folks we did: • Increase the number of service learning projects with community partners • Make consistent and pervasive among all students and staff the practice of “bucket filling” • Expand our use of i-Pads and the corollary use of different applications (apps) to enhance student learning experiences • Finalize the vision statement for our school through a community vote during Open House • Develop and implement a pilot assessment action plan to better use test data to improve student learning • Implement the new common core curricula in ELA and mathematics • Host our second annual family fun night in March 2013, which attracted several hundred family members and kids • Pilot an Action Team for Partnership (A.T.P.) whose work will assist us as we plan, coordinate and build upon our family involvement/engagement practices • Increase the use of the arts and music to teach literacy skills • Implement Response to Intervention(RtI) reading in Kindergarten through Grade 4 • Build upon practices that motivate students to read • Implement the new anti-bullying legislation (Dignity for All Students’ Act – D.A.S.A.) As we continue to plan for the 2013/2014 school year, we once again look forward to your continued assistance in serving our kids and the VVS community. Please feel free to call members of the faculty, staff and/or me should questions arise regarding your child’s progress or any of our school’s programs. Best wishes for a rewarding school year and I hope to see you throughout the year. Vince Pompo, Principal

New District-Wide Staff Ms. Kathryn Hess, Strings Music Teacher, Ms. Jennifer Blanchard, Occupational Therapist New Administrative Titles Ms. Erin Tiffany, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Pupil Services, formerly District Special Education Coordinator Mr. Mark Wixson, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction and Technology, formerly Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Projected Enrollment – 2,050 Employees – 305 (Teachers, civil service, administrators) page 10 E.A. McAllister Elementary School Letting Kids Be Kids The New York State Education Department recently released the scores for the English language arts, mathematics, and science exams. The tests have changed in format, complexity, and length and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. This has caused many school districts to change their practices, spending additional time preparing their students for these high stakes tests. At VVS and McAllister we are taking a different route. We continue to offer a top notch educational program based on the Common Core Learning Standards and District initiatives – all buildings and staff work closely together on curriculum, instruction, and assessment development. When our students have the chance “to be kids,” to learn by doing and linking their knowledge to the real world – the test scores will take care of themselves. Sincerely Jim Rozwod, Principal

Orville Wright, a.k.a. Michael Cabrera, displaying his wonderful Noah Baker, also known as George Washington Ferris Jr. at flying machine. McAllister’s Invention Fair

V.V.S. School Highlights 2013-2014 High School J.D. George Elementary • Open House – September 11, 2013 • First PTO Meeting, 6:30 p.m. • Community Day – September 29, 2013 Media Center – September 10, 2013 • Open House – September 5, 2013 Middle School • School Pictures – October 2, 2013 • Open House – September 3, 2013 • School Pictures – October 10, 2013 E.A. McAllister Elementary • First PTSO Meeting, 6:30 p.m. in W.A. Wettel Elementary Media Center – September 9, 2013 • First P.T.S.O. Meeting, 6:00 p.m. Media Center – September 10, 2013 • Open House – September 10, 2013 • Open House – September 19, 2013 • School Pictures – October 3, 2013 • School Pictures – September 25, 2013

Motivated Students + Involved Families + Supportive page Community Organizations + Dedicated Professionals = 11 A Recipe for Success - J.D. George Elementary School Welcome back! I hope all of you have had a terrific summer and have enjoyed some relaxation and family time. I am very excited to welcome all of our students and families for what is sure to be the best school year ever! The office has been so quiet; Ms. Cosimeno, Mrs. Clark and I can’t wait for opening day to have the office filled with smiles, laughter, and stories of summer fun! Mr. Zimmerman, Mrs. Iacampo, Mr. Dodi, and Ms. Bump, have done a great job preparing the building so that the hallways can be filled with student work once again! My goal this year, as in the past, is to further develop the partnerships between our families, the community, and the J.D. George faculty and staff. I am excited about the upcoming year and all of the programs and learning experiences we are planning. Along with our new students coming to J.D.George, I am pleased to welcome some new faces that will be joining our team this fall. We welcome Miss Hess, who will be our new strings teacher and will be teaching some general music classes. And while some faces have changed, others have just changed their assignments. Mr. Feola, who served as the CURIO teacher last year, we welcome to our fifth grade team, Mrs. Todora (Miss DiGaspari) will be replacing Mrs. Hanley in sixth grade, Mrs. Amodie will be welcoming our littlest learners in Pre-K, Mr. Vassenelli will be teaching kindergarten full time, and Miss Christine Thomson will be a long-term substitute in sixth grade. I am very excited to welcome these people to our team! As the principal of J.D. George, I look forward to leading a phenomenal team of faculty and staff, to provide each child with a positive school experience that will challenge them both intellectually and socially, and guide them toward independent thinking and problem solving. We will strive to promote healthy development in all aspects of each student’s life while developing a student body of good character and students who make good choices and decisions resulting in successful and healthy outcomes. This year we will continue with the motto that we introduced last September, “Do The Right Thing” where we recognize students who continually make good choices while in school, on the bus, and on the playground. We will continue to monitor our attendance rates and recognize students whose smiling faces we see each day. We are excited to continue these new programs and look forward to being able to recognize students for their great choices! This year we will also focus on: • The Dignity for All Students Act which came into effect on July 1, 2012 and continues to be modified to ensure that we provide a safe school experience for all • Exploring the concept of multidisciplinary learning units to further develop student skills and experiences, allowing them to see connections between the content areas • Expanding our use of i-Pad’s to enhance student learning experiences • Continuing to modify instruction to meet the Common Core Learning Standards (CCLS) that were implemented last fall • Continuing to promote and develop relationships and programs that incorporate members of the community into our learning programs • Increasing the number of students who reach mastery level on local and state assessments • Promoting a positive love of literature and reading through a variety of theme based learning experiences • Celebrating the successes of our students that take place both in and out of the classroom And as always, we will continue to promote learning in the most positive ways so that students can meet the rigorous standards of New York State while becoming life-long learners. IMPORTANT DATES EARLY IN THE YEAR • The first day of school for students is Thursday, September 5th. • Back to School Night will be Thursday, September 5th from 6:00-7:00. Please join us and see the wonderful learning experiences and programs we offer at JDG.

Once again we look forward to serving you and your children. Together we will make it a fabulous year. I can’t wait to see all of you soon! Kimberly A. LeBlanc, Principal Want to know more about VVS? Visit our web site: www.vvsschools.org Vernon-Verona-Sherrill Central School Non-Profit Organization City School District of the City of Sherrill FYI: U.S. Postage From time to time, we get a 5275 State Route 31, PO Box 128 Verona, New York 13478-0128 PAID telephone call or a note from Permit No. 6 someone who has not been Verona, NY 13478 receiving the newsletter or BOARD OF EDUCATION Thomas Moats, President CARRIER ROUTE PRE-SORT has missed a particular issue. Shelly Gilmour, Vice-President We are trying to include all of our families and friends on Patrick Baron our mailing list. If you know of Linda Chambers someone who has not received Kipp Hicks this newsletter or has never Juliane Johnson Melissa Palmer been included in our mailing, Catherine Suttmeier please call: Paul Thompson Mark Wixson 829-2520 ext. 7412 DISTRICT VISION The Vernon-Verona-Sherrill School District aspires to be valued as a district of distinction by our community. We will do our best to include you in the future. DISTRICT MISSION The Mission of the Vernon-Verona-Sherrill School District is to serve the community by preparing individuals to value challenges, learning opportunities, diversity and civic responsibility.

DISTRICT BELIEF STATEMENTS page 1. We believe students learn best when given opportunities, challenges, and choices that create a sense of ownership. 2. We believe that optimal learning occurs in a safe and supportive environment. 12 3. We believe in working together as a community to ensure the physical and mental health that is essential for student learning. 4. We believe it is the responsibility of the VVS community to create a dynamic environment that prepares, challenges, and encourages students to excel in an evolving world. DISTRICT GOALS 1. Faculty, students, parents, staff, and community will work together to achieve the high levels of student learning necessary for success in the 21st century. 2. Students, faculty, parents, staff, and community will learn and work in a physically, emotionally, safe school environment. 3. Faculty, students, parents, staff, and community will demonstrate the personal attributes necessary to succeed in a diverse world.

BOARD OF EDUCATION The Vernon Verona Sherrill (VVS) Central School District is governed by a nine-member Board of Education elected by school district residents and serve staggered five-year terms. The Board sets policy, while the superintendent and administrative staff lead and manage the day-to-day operation of the District. The Board of Education meets the second Monday of each month. Meetings are held in the Middle/High School Media Center or the District Administrative Center. Please check the VVS website for information regarding agenda topics, information items, and meeting locations. Copies of Board of Education meeting minutes are available at the Vernon Library, the Sherrill Library, and the Verona Town Hall. VVS Community Day . . . A celebration of the VVS Community! The third annual VVS Community Day will take place on contribute numerous hours of their time to bring Sunday, September 29, 2013 on the VVS Middle/High School Community Day together. All of the proceeds from the VVS campus. This day gives us the opportunity to spend time Community Day including canned food donations, warm with our friends and neighbors while enjoying the Fire and coats, and monetary donations are given back to the VVS Safety Expo, kids’ activities, crafters, health and wellness community through various local charity organizations and seminars, demonstrations, and great food. student groups. Hundreds of people throughout the VVS community We look forward to seeing you there!

The Sheveron Communicator is a Quarterly Publication of Vernon-Verona-Sherrill Central School